topic When is the irs approving tax with the child credit? It's been past 21 days since I filed irs accepted my return but still hasnt approved it. in After you file

When is the irs approving tax with the child credit? It's been past 21 days since I filed irs accepted my return but still hasnt approved it.

amberhol2 — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:57:25 GMT

Re: When is the irs approving tax with the child credit? It's been past 21 days since I filed irs...

JohnB5677 — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 13:17:09 GMT

Just to be clear. If your taxes are Accepted it is a good thing.

It means that their were no technical errors like Social Security Numbers that were wrong.

It also means that TurboTax does not have any control of your return.

If you are being told that it's still in process, the IRS has not finished checking it out.

The IRS has stated that the typical time to process a tax return is 21 days, but there may be delays for many reasons.

The IRS has stated that tax returns that include the Child Tax Credit are going to take longer.

TurboTax can only project the time to get your refund. The IRS has the real control.

You can check the status of your tax return. You will need:

Social Security Number.
Tax return year.
Hilling Status.
Exact refund amount

Please click here to enter your information Check Your Refund .

If you wish to contact the IRS, you can call toll-free at 1-800-829-1040 or contact a Taxpayer Assistance Center Local IRS Office.

Be sure that your return status is Accepted

It should not show Pending, or Rejected
The return will also have to be processed.
Therefore there may be a time delay between Accepted and issuing the refund.

Other reasons your refund can be delayed

If you mailed your return and expect a refund, it could take four weeks or more to process your return.
In addition some tax returns take longer to process than others for many reasons, including when a return:
- Contains errors or is incomplete
- Needs further review in general
- Is affected by identity theft or fraud
- Was referred to the IRS by the bank due to suspicious activity
- Includes a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit or an Additional Child Tax Credit. See Q&A below.
- Includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, which could take up to 14 weeks to process
- And I'm sure a host of other issues

Re: When is the irs approving tax with the child credit? It's been past 21 days since I filed irs...

xmasbaby0 — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 14:04:09 GMT

If you are getting earned income credit on line 27 or additional child tax credit on line 28 You are subject to the delay required by the PATH act. Do not expect your refund earlier than late February.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/internal-revenue-service/federal-refunds-delayed-due-path-act/L5jnQJsBi_US_en_US?uid=lrrwpybr

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/irs-tax-return/what-is-the-path-act-and-how-may-it-impact-your-taxes/L2fkZJmNC

Re: When is the irs approving tax with the child credit? It's been past 21 days since I filed irs accepted my return but still hasnt approved it.

amberhol2 — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 14:07:10 GMT

I have been checking on the IRS site that's why I said they received the return but it still hasn't been approved. I was not sure if there was a specific date they were going to approve and send the returns for people who claim children. I just don't understand why it's been past 21 days and IRS still didn't approve my return. Not sure if that is normal or what's going on..

Re: When is the irs approving tax with the child credit? It's been past 21 days since I filed irs...

amberhol2 — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 14:11:39 GMT

I know not to expect the return before end of February just not sure why IRS still hasn't approved it, like do they wait until end of February to approve the returns who claim children?

Re: When is the irs approving tax with the child credit? It's been past 21 days since I filed irs...

CatinaT1 — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 21:11:27 GMT

Once your return is filed, TurboTax has no control over the processing of your return or the release of your refund.

Here are a couple FAQs to track your refund:
When will I get my federal tax refund?
How do I track my state refund?
Why does Where's My Refund say "approved" but TurboTax still says "accepted"?