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February 6, 2025
Question

Why does TurboTax say my refund is accepted, but the IRS website says it has not been approved yet?

  • February 6, 2025
  • 3 replies
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    3 replies

    DoninGA
    February 6, 2025

    Accepted only means the IRS received the tax return without errors on the return.

     

    After the tax return has been Accepted by the IRS (meaning only that they received the return) it will be in the Processing mode until the tax refund has been Approved and then an Issue Date will be available on the IRS website.
    See this IRS website for federal tax refund FAQ's - https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions

    February 6, 2025

    Oh that makes sense. So is the 21 days it typically takes to receive the refund from the date it is accepted, or the date it is approved? 

    February 6, 2025

    21 days from acceptance is the "average" --- do not take 21 days literally.   If you are getting earned income credit or additional child tax credit, you will not receive your refund until early March.

    **Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
    CatinaT1
    February 6, 2025

    Once your return is filed, TurboTax has no control over the processing of your return or the release of your refund.

     

    Here are a couple FAQs to track your refund:
    When will I get my federal tax refund?
    How do I track my state refund?
    Why does Where's My Refund say "approved" but TurboTax still says "accepted"?

     

    Why do some refunds take longer than others?

    What if my IRS refund is taking longer than 21 days?

    **Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
    February 11, 2025

    TurboTax said my refund comes on the 7th but never came I checked where my refund it’s been only received?

    DoninGA
    February 11, 2025

    @candyaakjjj wrote:

    TurboTax said my refund comes on the 7th but never came I checked where my refund it’s been only received?


    Only the IRS and your State control when and if a Federal or State tax refund is Approved and Issued.

     

    If accepted by the IRS use the federal tax refund website to check the refund status - https://www.irs.gov/refunds

    If accepted by the state use this TurboTax support FAQ to check the state tax refund status - https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund

    February 6, 2025

     

      “Accepted” is not the same as “approved”.  TurboTax tells you the e-file was accepted if the IRS deems that there is enough information on the return for them to take it in for processing.   Only the IRS can approve of the refund, which is a later stage of processing.  If the IRS approves your refund they will provide a date for the refund to be issued.

     

     

    First, check your e-file status to see if your return was accepted: 

    https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/efile-status-lookup/

     

    Once your federal return has been accepted by the IRS, only the IRS has any control.  TurboTax does not receive any updates from the IRS. Your ONLY source of information about your refund now is the IRS.

     

    You need your filing status, your Social Security number and the exact amount  (line 35a of your 2024 Form 1040) of your federal refund to track your Federal refund:   

    https://www.irs.gov/refunds

     

    To track your state refund:    

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-refund/track-state-refund/L3jgO8PGs_US_en_US?uid=lt447ebr

     

    If you chose to have your TurboTax fees deducted from your federal refund, that will take some extra time, while the third party bank handles the refund processing

     

     

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-refund/refunds-take-longer-others/L14YlqFrH_US_en_US?uid=lexdr7zh

    .

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-refund/irs-refund-taking-longer-21-days/L2vRAJbdU_US_en_US?uid=lexe7lst

     

    If you are getting earned income credit on line 27 or additional child tax credit on line 28 You are subject to the delay required by the PATH act.  Do not expect your refund before early March

     

    https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/irs-tax-return/what-is-the-path-act-and-how-may-it-impact-your-taxes/L2fkZJmNC

     

    **Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**