What does it mean when the IRS accepts your return?

Asked by: Kendall Gerlach IV  |  Last update: February 21, 2024
Score: 5/5 (71 votes)

If there are no major issues, the IRS will 'accept' your tax return. 'Accepted' simply means that the IRS has received your tax return. This does not necessarily mean that your tax return has been approved, and it does not mean that you will receive a refund.

Does accepted mean my refund is approved?

Accepted means your tax return was received and has passed initial inspection, such as correct Social Security number and correctly claimed dependents. It can take anywhere from a few days to three weeks for your return to go from acceptance to approval.

Is it good when the IRS accepts your return?

When you receive confirmation that the IRS accepted your return, it means that they have reviewed your return, and it has passed their initial inspection. They verify your personal information and other basic items, like if your dependents have already been claimed by someone else.

What happens after IRS accepts return?

Once your return is accepted, you are on the IRS' refund timetable. The IRS typically issues refunds in less than 21 days after your e-filed return is accepted. You can use the IRS Where's My Refund? tool or call the IRS at 800-829-1954 to check on the status of your refund, beginning 24 hours after you e-file.

How long does it take to get your refund once the IRS approves it?

The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. However, it's possible your tax return may require additional review and take longer.

What's the next step after the IRS accepts your return?

39 related questions found

Why has my refund been 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.

Why is refund taking so long to approve?

The IRS can delay your tax refund until it completes any audits. This is most common when the IRS is conducting a mail audit on your EITC or ACTC return from a prior year. Normally, you'll receive IRS Letter CP88 indicating that your refund is frozen until the IRS completes the audit.

How do I know if my tax return was approved?

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.

Does being processed mean approved?

Received means your return is being processed. Approved indicates your return has been accepted and your refund amount is approved. Sent confirms that your refund is being direct-deposited into your bank account or mailed to you as a check.

Can I get my tax refund early?

Tax refund loans, also called "refund advances," let you access your refund early. The tax preparation company lends you money that is repaid with your tax return. Some loans are zero interest, while others include interest if you want the funds before 2024.

Why does Turbotax say my refund was accepted but IRS says processing?

1) It is not a refund that has been accepted, but a tax return, i.e. your report. 2) Turbo Tax is telling you that IRS has accepted the return, i.e. they acknowledge that they have received it, and are now responsible for it. 3) IRS have not finished processing it.

Can you get child tax credit if you have no income 2023?

For tax year 2023, you may qualify for YCTC with total earned income of zero dollars or less provided all the following apply: Your total wages, salaries, tips, and other employee compensation (whether subject to California withholding or not), if any, do not exceed $33,497. Your total net loss does not exceed $33,497.

Does IRS look at bank accounts?

Collecting back taxes – If you owe back taxes, the IRS can legally seize assets from your bank accounts to satisfy the debt. Criminal investigation – If the IRS suspects tax evasion or fraud, they may subpoena bank records as evidence.

Is accepted and approved the same thing?

Approve : To sanction officially; to ratify; to confirm. Example: They approved of the political institutions. Accept: To receive, especially with a consent, with favour, or with approval. Example: The Lord accept thy burnt sacrifice.

What is the child tax credit for 2023?

The tax break amount per child was doubled under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, from up to $1,000 to up to $2,000 per child under age 17. The actual refundable portion of that credit for 2023 — meaning how much a parent could see in a refund check after his or her tax liability — is capped at $1,600.

What days of the week does the IRS deposit refunds?

IRS Refund Schedule for Direct Deposits and Check Refunds

The IRS only issued refunds once per week under the old system. They now issue refunds every business day, Monday through Friday (except holidays). Due to changes in the IRS auditing system, they no longer release a full schedule as they did in previous years.

Should I be worried if my tax refund is still being processed?

You can check the status of your tax refund using Track My Refund. If your refund details state that it's still processing, you can check your tax return to see if you catch any errors. If your refund status instructs you to contact the IRS, you can speak to an agent to get clarification by calling 1-800-829-1040.

Why does it say your tax return is still being processed a refund date will be provided when available?

It simply means that the return is being processed. IRS could still request more info before finishing the processing. They could also sent the return out for a review.

What does return accepted mean?

Accepted means your tax return has passed a verification that reviews your basic information. This typically involves social security information for the taxpayer and dependents and more. It does not mean your return is approved. Continue to watch the status of your return for additional information.

Why does it take 3 to 5 days for a refund?

The truth is that the bank delays posting the refund to your account because they are making interest off that money while it sits in their bank account. They will delay for the maximum amount of time allowed by law so they can make the maximum amount of interest on the money before giving it to you.

How long after I verify my identity will I get my refund 2023?

After you verify your identity and tax return information using this service, it may take up to nine weeks to complete the processing of the return. Visit Where's My Refund? or use the IRS2Go mobile app 2-3 weeks after using this service to check your refund status.

Can your refund be denied if accepted?

Once accepted there is no “rejected”. Accepted/rejected simply refers to the status of an electronically filed return. Next, the IRS processes your return and either approves your refund (if you have one) as is, or makes adjustments if there are simple discrepancies.

What triggers an audit from the IRS?

The IRS receives copies of your W-2s and 1099s, and their systems automatically compare this data to the amounts you report on your tax return. A discrepancy, such as a 1099 that isn't reported on your return, could trigger further review. So, if you receive a 1099 that isn't yours, or isn't correct, don't ignore it.

What is the IRS 10k rule?

Who must file. Federal law requires a person to report cash transactions of more than $10,000 by filing Form 8300, Report of Cash Payments Over $10,000 Received in a Trade or Business.

How does the IRS track you?

The IRS uses an Information Returns Processing (IRP) System to match information sent by employers and other third parties to the IRS with what is reported by individuals on their tax returns.