topic Re: Pending status in After you file

Pending status

user17690094137 — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:36:19 GMT

I filed my taxes 4 days ago it still has not been accepted it still says pending is there a reason for that?

Re: Pending status

xmasbaby0 — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:39:06 GMT

Yes---the IRS has not begun to accept/reject e-files yet.

MY RETURN IS IN PENDING—what does that mean?

You will not get any information from the IRS refund site while your return is in pending. The IRS does not have your return yet.

Did you e-file? Did you click that big orange button that said “Transmit my returns now?” If so, your return is now in “pending” on a server. Do not try to change anything while your return is in pending.On January 26 the IRS will begin to accept/reject e-files. The IRS accepts a FEW returns in test batches ahead of January 26—-but that is very random. Watch your emails—including your spam folder—for the notice about whether your e-file has been accepted or rejected. If your return is rejected you will be able to make corrections before re-filing. If the return you e-filed is accepted you will have to wait until it has been fully processed and then amend it to fix any mistakes or omissions. It has been taking the IRS four to six months—sometimes longer—to process amended returns. If you e-filed your state return there will be another email later that tells you if the state was accepted or rejected.

WARNING: Do not try to change anything on your return while it is pending.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-first-day-of-2026-filing-season-online-tools-and-

Re: Pending status

user17690094137 — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:02:06 GMT

My boyfriend filed his Monday and he got a text that said his was accepted the next day it has been 4 days for mine and nothing it says pending since Jan 16

Re: Pending status

DoninGA — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:04:28 GMT

@user17690094137 The IRS always pulls some random tax returns for testing purposes prior to the date they published for receiving tax returns.

The IRS will start Accepting 2025 federal tax returns on 01/26/2026.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-first-day-of-2026-filing-season-online-tools-and-resources-help-with-tax-filing

Re: Pending status

CatinaT1 — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:15:20 GMT

The IRS will officially begin accepting and processing 2025 tax returns on Monday, January 26, 2026. They do some testing prior to that time so if you get an acceptance from the IRS it means your return was part of the testing.