How do I know if my refund has been accepted?

Asked by: Abdullah Aufderhar  |  Last update: September 4, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (43 votes)

The most convenient way to check on a tax refund is by using the Where's My Refund? tool on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of the taxpayer's e-filed return.

How can I tell if the IRS accepted my return?

Taxpayers can check the status of their refund easily and conveniently with the IRS Where's My Refund tool at IRS.gov/refunds. Refund status is available within 24 hours after the taxpayer e-filed their current year return.

How long does it take for the IRS to accept your return?

The IRS follows a very detailed process when handling tax returns and issuing tax refunds. If you're filing electronically, the first step is for them to accept your return, which usually happens within 24-48 hours.

How long do refunds take after being accepted?

If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund should be issued in about six to eight weeks from the date IRS receives your return. If you file your return electronically, your refund should be issued in less than three weeks, even faster when you choose direct deposit.

Can your refund be accepted but not approved?

"IRS Accepted Return But Not Approved" Meaning

If a taxpayer receives the status update that their tax return was accepted but not approved, this means that the IRS has received their tax return, but they have not yet evaluated the information. Therefore, the taxpayer must wait to see if more action is required.

How do I know if my refund has been accepted or rejected?

22 related questions found

What does the IRS look for to approve your refund?

They'll look for math errors, check if you owe back taxes or unpaid child support, and more. If they need to make any corrections, they may offset (reduce) or increase your refund.

How do you check your refund status?

Use the IRS Where's My Refund tool or the IRS2Go mobile app to check your refund online. This is the fastest and easiest way to track your refund. The systems are updated once every 24 hours. You can contact the IRS to check on the status of your refund.

How long after IRS verification will I get my refund?

What happens after I successfully verify? We'll process your tax return. It may take up to 9 weeks to receive your refund or credit any overpayment to your account. However, if we find other problems, we'll contact you again and this may delay your refund.

What time does the tax refund direct deposit hit?

Short answer: IRS sends electronic transfers to all financial institutions on Friday evenings to be posted the following Tuesday (Monday @ midnight) You can always check your pending transactions via online or mobile banking.

How long does it take IRS to send a refund rejected by bank?

If your bank rejected your tax refund, it can take up to 5 business days for the IRS to receive the funds back. Once they receive the funds they will send you a paper check. This can take up to 10 business days for you to receive it.

What day of the week does the IRS approve refunds?

Day of the week for IRS refund deposits

The IRS typically processes tax refunds and executes direct deposit transactions within 21 days after accepting your tax return. It's common for the IRS to issue them on business days, from Monday through Friday.

How do I know if my tax return has been flagged?

If the IRS decides that your return merits a second glance, you'll be issued a CP05 Notice. This notice lets you know that your return is being reviewed to verify any or all of the following: Your income. Your tax withholding.

Why do refunds take 3-5 days?

A credit card refund can take between five and 14 business days to appear on your card statement or balance. This is because the transaction goes through a credit card processing service and must be completed before your issuer can credit your account for the purchase.

How long after return is accepted will I get my refund?

When will my refund arrive? If you e-filed your return and chose direct deposit to receive your refund, you'll usually receive your refund in 8-15 days. However, you should allow an extra 1-5 business days for your bank to process the funds.

How do you know if the IRS doesn't accept your return?

The IRS won't email, text you, or contact you via social media. It will generally mail you a notice if there is a problem with your return. An IRS agent may call you or visit your home, but usually only after sending several letters first.

What are the five filing statuses?

List the five filing statuses. (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, and qualifying surviving spouse. Which taxpayers pay income tax at the highest rates and the lowest rates? (The highest tax rates apply to taxpayers who use the married filing separately filing status.

How do I know when my tax refund will be deposited?

Tracking the status of a tax refund is easy with the Where's My Refund? tool. It's available anytime on IRS.gov or through the IRS2Go App. Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours after an e-filed return is received.

Do refunds process on weekends?

Do Banks Process Refunds on Weekends? No, banks typically do not process refunds on weekends.

What time do direct deposits hit?

What time your direct deposit hits depends on the financial institution. Most recipients can expect their direct deposits to be available by 9 a.m. on payday, with many banks allowing funds to be released between midnight and 6 a.m. If your bank allows for the funds to be released sooner, you'll see them then.

How do I know if the IRS is processing my return?

The most convenient way to check on a tax refund is by using the Where's My Refund? tool on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of the taxpayer's e-filed return.

What triggers a 5071C letter?

What is a 5071C letter? The IRS sends a 5071C letter when it receives a tax return with your name and tax identification number, but believes the return to be fraudulent. A Letter 5071C will ask you to complete an online identity verification process to confirm your identity.

How do I verify my refund status?

  • If you are receiving a tax refund, check its status using the IRS Where's My Refund tool. You can view the status of your refund for the past 3 tax years.
  • If you owe money or are receiving a refund, you can check your return status by signing in to view your IRS online account information.

How do I check my refund status?

To check the status of your e-filed IT return, log in to the income tax e-filing website and go to 'e-File' → 'Income Tax Returns'→ 'View Filed Returns'. Your income tax return has been processed but the Income Tax Department has determined no refund.

How long does it take for the IRS to approve a refund after it is accepted stimulus?

Even though the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, it's possible your tax return may require additional review that may take longer to process.

What is the child tax credit for 2024 IRS?

If you have a child, you may be eligible for the Child Tax Credit. For 2024, the credit is up to $2,000 per qualifying child.