When the IRS accepts tax return does that mean it's approved?

Asked by: Dr. Romaine Reichert  |  Last update: July 4, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (34 votes)

Remember, acceptance by the IRS doesn't mean approval of the refund yet—it just means you have made it to the starting line of the refund process. Keep an eye on the prize: most refunds, especially if you're using direct deposit, arrive within a 21-day window after acceptance.

Does accepted tax return mean approved?

by TurboTax• 132• Updated 2 weeks ago

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.

How long after the IRS accepts a refund is it approved?

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.

How do I know if my tax return has been approved by the IRS?

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.

Is it good when the IRS accepts your return?

Accepted means your tax return is now in the government's hands and has passed the initial inspection (your verification info is correct, dependents haven't already been claimed by someone else, etc.).

Does accepted mean my refund is approved?

40 related questions found

Can your refund be denied if accepted?

The return was already accepted – The IRS will reject your return if they previously accepted a return with your Social Security number (SSN) or taxpayer identification number (TIN). If this happens, it could be a sign of fraud or identity theft.

Can my state refund be approved before federal?

No, states can approve a filed return before the Federal is approved by the IRS. Yes, the delay of refunds due to the Earned Income Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit only applies to the release of the refund. The returns should still be processed as normal.

How long does it take to get your tax refund once approved?

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.

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 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 of day does IRS update refund status?

- It's updated every 24 hours - usually overnight -- so you only need to check once a day. There's no need to call IRS unless Where's My Refund? tells you to do so. It's Easy!

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

Why does Turbo tax say my federal refund was accepted march 7th if The IRS page says still processing? TurboTax and the IRS are just not using the same verbiage. TurboTax is telling you that the IRS accepted your return for processing. Now the IRS has it, and will process it until they approve of your refund.

How long does it take for a tax refund to show in a bank account in Australia?

The quickest and easiest way to check the progress of your tax return is by using our self-help services. Most online returns process within 2 weeks (10 business days), however if we need to manually process it, it may take up to 30 calendar days. Paper returns may take up to 10 weeks (50 business days) to process.

How long does it take IRS to approve a refund after accepted?

The IRS issues most refunds in fewer than 21 days for taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit. However, some returns have errors or need more review and may take longer to process.

Why has my tax return 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.

Is approved and accepted the same thing?

You can accept absolutely anyone or any situation, agreement is not a requirement. Approval works in a completely different way. Approval stems from the idea that I condone, sanction, or endorse this thing you are doing. The idea of approval comes from a person that we attach some type of authority to.

Which filing status gives the biggest refund?

Married filing jointly is the most common filing status for married couples. This status has the highest standard deduction and some of the most beneficial tax rate brackets. You file together and report combined income, along with your combined deductions and qualifying credits on the same return.

At what age does a taxpayer no longer have to file a return?

At What Age Can You Stop Filing Taxes? Taxes aren't determined by age, so you will never age out of paying taxes. People who are 65 or older at the end of 2024 have to file a return for tax year 2024 (which is due in 2025) if their gross income is $16,550 or higher.

What is the most favorable filing status?

The Head of Household filing status provides a higher standard deduction and, generally, a lower tax rate than Single or Married Filing Separately. Who can be “considered unmarried” for Head of Household?

How do I know when my tax refund is approved?

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.

How soon after taxes are approved are they deposited?

E-file plus direct deposit yields fastest refunds

The IRS also encourages taxpayers to file electronically. While a person can choose direct deposit whether they file their taxes on paper or electronically, a taxpayer who e-files will typically see their refund in less than 21 days.

Which refund comes first?

Although, state refunds often come faster than those being processed through the federal system. This isn't always the case, but it often is. Generally, you can expect to receive your state tax refund within 30 days if you filed your tax return electronically.

Why isn't my refund approved yet in 2024?

Timing of refunds

The tax return has errors, requires additional review or is incomplete. The return needs a correction to the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit. The taxpayer filed their tax return on paper. The taxpayer filed an injured spouse claim.

How to get a $10,000 tax refund?

CAEITC
  1. Be 18 or older or have a qualifying child.
  2. Have earned income of at least $1.00 and not more than $30,000.
  3. Have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for yourself, your spouse, and any qualifying children.
  4. Living in California for more than half of the tax year.