FAQs
"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]. TurboTax may continue to show your return as "Accepted" even when the IRS is processing your refund.
Why is my tax return accepted but still being processed? ›
Some tax returns take longer to process than others for many reasons, including when a return: Is sent by mail. Contains errors or is incomplete. Needs further review in general.
How long after TurboTax says accepted will I get my refund? ›
Once the IRS accepts your return, they still need to approve your refund before they send it to you. 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.
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.
Why does TurboTax say refund accepted but IRS website doesn't? ›
When the Tax Home page at TurboTax shows your efiled return as "accepted", that refers only to the efile status. It means the efile was successfully sent to the IRS and that the IRS computers determined that it met all the technical requirements such that they could begin processing it.
Does accepted mean my refund is approved by TurboTax? ›
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.
Does still being processed mean something is wrong? ›
If their refund status changes from “being processed” status to “still being processed” status, the issue detected in the tax forms was likely resolved and the refund may be released when it is approved for a future cycle date.
How long does it take the IRS to process a return after its been 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.
How long should it say your tax return is still being processed? ›
If taxpayers file a paper return, they should wait four weeks before checking the status. IRS representatives on the phone and at Taxpayer Assistance Centers can only research the status of a refund if: It's been 21 days or more since the taxpayer filed the return electronically.
How do I know if the IRS received my tax 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.
Most refunds take about 21 days after the IRS has approved your e-filed tax return.
What day of the week does the IRS deposit refunds? ›
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 will I know if my refund was not approved? ›
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. The tool also provides a personalized refund date after the return is processed and a refund is approved.
Can your refund 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.
Does accepted mean processed IRS? ›
Accepted simply means the government received your e-filed tax return. If you're getting a refund, the next step is for the government to approve your refund before they can send your money to you.
Does processing mean accepted by IRS? ›
Return Received – The IRS has received your return and it's being processed. Refund Approved – They've processed your return and your refund has been approved. It will also provide an actual refund date.
