You submitted your federal tax return as early as you could, and received a message from the IRS congratulating you, saying your return had been accepted. You quickly check the IRS site to see if your refund is on its way, only to find out that your tax return had not yet been approved.
What is the difference between ‘accepted’ and ‘approved’ tax returns?
When you file your tax return electronically, the IRS uses an electronic system to process it. The office receives your return, does an initial screening, checks it for errors and makes sure that it meets the requirements for filing. If there are no major issues, the IRS will ‘accept’ your tax return.
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“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. Your return is marked as “accepted” usually within 24-48 hours of submitting it electronically. It will continue with this status until the IRS ‘approves’ it.
“Approved” means that the IRS has finished processing your tax return, and it has determined that everything is in order. Your return has been reviewed, and the IRS has made a determination regarding your tax liability- either you will receive a refund, or you owe additional taxes.
Did you know the fastest and easiest way to file your taxes is electronically? Yes, choosing to e-file will make filing your taxes with the #IRS easier, but that’s just one of the many benefits. Find out more: https://t.co/3SvpgsZoFC
— IRSnews (@IRSnews) April 11, 2024
How long do I have to wait until my tax return changes from ‘accepted’ to ‘approved’?
The IRS will change your tax return’s status to “approved” after they confirm that the information you provided is accurate. This typically takes three weeks from the time it is marked as “accepted”. If they find that you are due a refund, go to Where’s My Refund to find out exactly when the IRS will issue you the amount.
FAQs
“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. Your return is marked as “accepted” usually within 24-48 hours of submitting it electronically.
Is a refund accepted and approved the same thing? ›
A federal return that's been 'accepted' means it has passed an initial screening, which includes some basic checks. Once it has entered this phase, its status will remain the same until it has been “Approved.” This would mean it has been processed and that the IRS has approved the release of your refund.
Is accepted and approved 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.
How long does it take to go from accepted to approved? ›
This process, especially the approval of your refund, can take some time, usually within 21 days if you've e-filed, but possibly longer depending on various factors.
How can I tell if my refund was accepted? ›
The most convenient way to check on a tax refund is by using the Where's My Refund? tool. Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours after an e-filed return is received.
Can your tax return be denied after being accepted? ›
No, once the IRS accepts the return, it will not be rejected after. However, they may request additional information from you at any time. If you have received notice that the IRS accepted your return, you can be confident they have it, though that does not always mean they have processed it yet.
Why does my refund say 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.
How long after a refund is approved is it sent? ›
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.
How long does it take for the IRS to approve a refund after it is accepted stimulus? ›
Refund Sent
Updates to refund status are made once a day — usually at night. Even with the January 30 opening of the tax season, we expect refunds to be issued within normal timeframes. The IRS issued more than 9 out of 10 refunds to taxpayers in less than 21 days last year.
What happens after your tax return is accepted? ›
Monitor Your Tax Return Status
Once you know that your return has been accepted, it's just a matter of waiting. According to the IRS, it takes 21 days or less for the agency to process most tax returns. However, there are instances in which the agency may require more time to deal with an individual return.
What days of the week can I receive my refund? The exact day of the week that the IRS will deposit your refund into your account can vary, but they usually send the refund on every business day, from Monday to Friday.
How long after a refund is approved is it sent to TurboTax? ›
Typically it takes 21 days to receive your refund after the IRS accepts your return. In the meantime, you can check your e-file status online with TurboTax. Tax Refund Tracking Guide Does “accepted” mean my refund is approved? Why does Where's My Refund say “approved” but Turbotax still says “accepted”?
Why does TurboTax say my refund was accepted but IRS says processing? ›
Different Statuses: "Accepted" and "Processing" are two different statuses. "Accepted" refers to the status of your tax return, indicating that the IRS has received it [2]. On the other hand, "Processing" refers to the status of your refund, indicating that the IRS is still working on it [2].
Does the IRS check every tax return? ›
The IRS does not check every tax return; in fact, it does not check the majority of them; however, the IRS implements methods that track certain factors that would result in a further examination or audit by them.
Does accepted mean approved? ›
How long do I have to wait until my tax return changes from 'accepted' to 'approved'? The IRS will change your tax return's status to “approved” after they confirm that the information you provided is accurate. This typically takes three weeks from the time it is marked as “accepted”.
Does acceptance mean approval? ›
Acceptance and approval are not the same. These two things are not the same. They are very different. But we get them mixed up all the time, and that's problematic. Mixing up acceptance and approval creates all sorts of confusion, and misunderstandings, and cycles of abuse.
What is another word for approved or accepted? ›
Some common synonyms of approve are accredit, certify, endorse, and sanction.
What is another word accepted? ›
(adjective) in the sense of agreed. Synonyms. agreed. acknowledged. approved.
