Why is my refund still pending approval?
The IRS normally takes longer to process paper returns than electronically filed returns. That means you will wait longer for a refund – and even longer if you want your refund as a check. The IRS also takes longer to process a return and issue a refund if you file a paper return via certified mail.
Even though we issue most refunds in less than 21 days, it's possible your refund may take longer. Also, remember to consider the time it takes for your financial institution to post the refund to your account or for you to receive it by mail.
Why is my refund taking so long? A refund will take longer if you file by mail or don't select direct deposit. In addition, if the return is more complex or corrections are needed, it may slow the process down.
Pending means that your e-filed return is on its way and that the government hasn't accepted or rejected it yet. If you e-filed your return before the IRS starts processing returns this year, it'll stay in pending status until then.
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.
Once the agency accepts your return, you can begin to track your refund — but keep in mind that refund processing and delivery can take up to three weeks after acceptance.
An incomplete return, an inaccurate return, an amended return, tax fraud, claiming tax credits, owing certain debts for which the government can take part or all of your refund, and sending your refund to the wrong bank due to an incorrect routing number are all reasons that a tax refund can be delayed.
Taxpayers whose tax returns have been flagged for possible IDT should receive one of the following letters: Letter 5071C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing with Online Option – Provides online and phone options and is issued most widely.
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.
This means they've officially decided you're entitled to a certain refund amount. 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.
Can your refund be rejected 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.
It means your tax return is still being processed and a refund date will be provided when available. Processing can be a lengthy process and can be interrupted by technical issues. Wait it out no matter how inconvenient or annoying, you cannot do anything to speed up the process.
Your refund may be delayed if: Your return has mistakes or is incomplete. The IRS suspects identity theft or fraud. Your return needs further review.
should show an updated status by February 17 for most early EITC/ACTC filers. The IRS expects most EITC/ACTC related refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards by February 27 if they chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with their tax return.
Tax season is nearly over, and people who filed earlier in the window may wonder why a return is taking so long to process. The IRS has received 1.7% fewer returns this tax season but has processed 2% fewer returns this year compared to 2023, according to Forbes.
Tax Topic 152 means the IRS is processing your refund. That's all it means. The IRS has received your tax refund, and the agency is processing it. For some reason, processing is taking longer than usual, but unfortunately, this Tax Topic doesn't explain why processing is taking so long.
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].
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.
Signs You May Be Under Investigation
Your IRS auditor seems to disappear without explanation. You or your bank gets subpoenaed for financial records. You stop getting the typical notices the IRS sends for things like penalties and interest. You get a surprise visit from IRS criminal investigation agents.
Your income. Your tax withholding. Tax credits you claimed on your return. The withholding claimed on your Social Security benefits.
How will I know if my refund was rejected?
An IRS agent may call you or visit your home, but usually only after sending several letters first. When an e-filed return gets rejected, the IRS will often let you know within a few hours. It also sends a rejection code and explanation of why the e-filed return was rejected.
If you're planning to file your tax return soon and want your refund money as soon as possible, make sure you file electronically and set up direct deposit. It's a simple way to access your IRS money a few days or weeks sooner than if you depend on the mail to submit your taxes and receive your refund.
In my experience, I usually get my deposit within a day or two of approval.
'Accepted' is an acknowledgment of receipt and initial screening, while 'approved' signifies that the IRS has verified the accuracy of your tax return. The IRS uses an electronic system to process tax returns filed electronically.
“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.
References
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