Which tax software programs does the IRS accept test batch returns from?

[xmasbaby0]

There will be no rhyme or reason to it.  Do not hold your breath hoping to be in a "test batch."

[macuser_22]

It makes no difference since none will be processed until after Jan 29 anyway.   A few years ago the "test batches" had problems (that is why they test and the test failed).  Those "test returns" were delayed about 2 months while the IRS tried to recover them.     Does not always pay to be part of a "test".

[xmasbaby0]

May as well just accept that refunds will not start appearing in people's hands until the end of February at the earliest.

[TTuser2]

I was in a test batch 2016 return im hoping so this year.

[creuter420]

I just got my accept 01-17-2018 for both fed and state

[joleenacopeland]

I also got an accept on the 01/17/18 and so did another friend of mine. Curious as to if we have the eitc if we still are processed after the 02/15. My friend has filed single no kids but still qualified for eitc is that the same thing to hold his up til after the 15.

[macuser_22]

If you have EIC or ACTC see this IRS article:

<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/refund-timing">https://www.irs.gov/individuals/refund-timing</a>

[macuser_22]

Although TurboTax is accepting some e-filed returns now they are NOT being e-filed to the IRS which will not process any return until January 29. TurboTax stores those returns filed early until the IRS opens for business, only then will you get an e-mail telling you if the return was accepted or rejected by the IRS.

Only the simplest returns can be transmitted to TurboTax now. Many forms will not be finalized until Jan 11 and some later then that.

Why does TurboTax do this? Because their competitors do - It is a marketing ploy.

Filing early with TurboTax before the IRS opens on Jan 29 is a really BAD IDEA.

1) If you discover something that is wrong on your return, receive a W-2 that is different, receive some other tax document that was not on the return that you filed then there is NOTHING that you can do about it other than wait to see if the IRS accepts or rejects the return after Jan 29. If rejected you can correct and file again, but if accepted then the only remedy is to amend which can take 4 months to process.

2) You must remember to check back after Jan 29 (or check for an e-mail) to confirm that the IRS has accepted or rejected the return. If rejected, then it was never filed at all and must be corrected and re-filed. Every year many taxpayers that file early, forget to check back and only discover months later that they never actually filed because if was rejected by the IRS but they had forgotten about checking back after filing with TurboTax.

There is no real advantage to file before the IRS opens on Jan 29, but there are disadvantages to do so.