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 tax return accepted the same as approved? ›
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.
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 being accepted does it take to be 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.
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.
How long after my refund is approved will it be direct deposited? ›
IRS tax refund timeline
| Filing method | E-file/Direct deposit | Paper file/Direct deposit |
|---|
| Refund time | 1-3 weeks | 3 weeks |
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 does it mean when your refund is approved? ›
shows the status of my refund is Refund Approved? This means the IRS has processed your return and has approved your refund. The IRS is now preparing to send your refund to your bank or directly to you in the mail if you requested a paper check.
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].
Use the IRS Where's My Refund tool or the IRS2Go mobile app to check your refund online. This is the fastest and easiest way to track your refund. The systems are updated once every 24 hours. You can contact the IRS to check on the status of your refund.
How will I know if the IRS accepted my return? ›
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.
What does the IRS look for to approve your refund? ›
Your income. Your tax withholding. Tax credits you claimed on your return. The withholding claimed on your Social Security benefits.
What does it mean when your tax return says approved? ›
When the status changes to approved, this means the IRS is preparing to send the refund as a direct deposit to the taxpayer's bank account or directly to the taxpayer in the mail, by check, to the address used on their tax return.
Can you get audited after your tax return is accepted? ›
Key Takeaways. Your tax returns can be audited even after you've been issued a refund. Only a small percentage of U.S. taxpayers' returns are audited each year. The IRS can audit returns for up to three prior tax years and, in some cases, go back even further.
Does processing mean approved? ›
Your status will indicate one of the following: Received means your return is being processed. Approved indicates your return has been accepted and your refund amount is approved. Sent confirms that your refund is being direct-deposited into your bank account or mailed to you as a check.
