IRS Accepted Return But Not Approved Explained - Ideal Tax (2024)

Key Takeaways:

  • The tax return filing status, “IRS Accepted Return But Not Approved,” means that the IRS received a submitted tax return but has not evaluated it yet.
  • The IRS provides 3 tax return status updates: Return Received, Refund Approved, and Refund Sent.
  • Taxpayers can check the status of their tax return if they use the Where’s My Refund site, download the IRS2Go mobile app, or call the IRS office directly for refund information.
  • Some common causes of tax return delays include paper form submissions, tax return errors, the taxpayer’s connection to identity theft or tax fraud, suspicious bank activity, or claiming certain tax credits.

IRS Accepted Return But Not Approved Explained - Ideal Tax (1)

IRS Accepted Return But Not Approved Explained - Ideal Tax (2)

"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. Therefore, the taxpayer must wait to see if more action is required.

Tax Return Status Updates

When a taxpayer submits their federal income tax return to the IRS, they will receive updates to inform them of the status of their return and when they may expect a tax refund. There are three stages of the tax return acceptance process:

1. Return Received: The IRS has received the tax return but has not yet reviewed it.

2. Refund Approved: The IRS has approved that the tax return is correct, there is no tax balance due, and a tax refund will be issued.

3. Refund Sent: The IRS has sent the tax refund to the taxpayer through direct deposit or a paper check.

How To Check Tax Return Status

The best approach to check the status of a tax return is to sign in online using the IRSWhere’s My Refund toolor to use the official IRS mobile app,IRS2Go. The information required to check the online status of a tax return includes:

  • Their Social Security number (SSN) or taxpayer identification number (TIN)
  • Their filing status
  • The refund amount reported on their tax return

If taxpayers prefer to check the status of their refund over the phone, they also have the option tocall the IRSand chat with a live support agent for a question-and-answer session.

When To Check Tax Refund Status

Taxpayers can use the online tax refund status tool to check the status of their refund within 24 hours of submitting an e-file tax return, or 4 weeks after filing a paper tax return by mail.

Common Reasons For Tax Refund Delays

Tax refunds are usually processed within 21 days of the taxpayer filing their tax returns, but if they have not yet received their refund compensation, here are some factors that can cause this situation:

  • The taxpayer submits a paper return by mail
  • There were errors in the tax return
  • The tax return was incomplete
  • The tax return requires further review
  • The taxpayer’s account is connected to identity theft or tax fraud
  • The IRS is informed that the taxpayer’s bank account was flagged for suspicious activity
  • The taxpayer filed a claim for an Additional Child Tax Credit or an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

If you need help understanding your tax filing status update or want guidance when you fill out your tax forms, our tax pros are ready to assist. Schedule a free consultation with the tax experts atIdeal Taxtoday to get started with the steps toward tax savings.

If you need help understanding the status of your tax return filing or with any part of the tax preparation process, contact the tax professionals atIdeal Taxfor help.

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Luis Ceja, Author

Luis graduated from California State University Fullerton with a B.A. in Political Science. As the Director of Operations at Ideal Tax, he combines years of academic knowledge with industry expertise, solidifying his prominence in the field.

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IRS Accepted Return But Not Approved Explained - Ideal Tax (2024)

FAQs

IRS Accepted Return But Not Approved Explained - Ideal Tax? ›

"IRS Accepted Return But Not Approved" Meaning

Can my tax 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.

Are you good if the IRS accepts your return? ›

“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.

How long after the IRS accepts a refund is it approved? ›

(updated December 22, 2023) We issue most refunds in less than 21 calendar days. However, if you mailed your return and expect a refund, it could take four weeks or more to process your return.

Can your refund be 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.

What if my tax return was accepted but I made a mistake? ›

If you need to make a change or adjustment on a return already filed, you can file an amended return. Use Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and follow the instructions.

What if my taxes were accepted but still processing? ›

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.

How long does it take for IRS to approve refund after it is accepted TurboTax? ›

Even though the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, it's possible your tax return may require additional review that may take longer to process.

Why does my tax return just say accepted? ›

Accepted means your tax return was received and has passed initial inspection, such as correct Social Security number and correctly claimed dependents.

How long does it take for the IRS to approve a refund in 2024? ›

2024 tax refund schedule
Filing methodRefund methodWhen to expect your refund
E-fileDirect depositWithin 21 days
E-fileCheckWithin 21 days, plus about one week for check delivery
MailDirect depositIn about four weeks
MailCheckIn about four weeks, plus about one week for check delivery
Apr 16, 2024

How long does it take to get a refund after I verified my identity 5071c? ›

What happens after I successfully verify? We'll process your tax return. It may take up to 9 weeks to receive your refund or credit any overpayment to your account. However, if we find other problems, we'll contact you again and this may delay your refund.

How do I know if my tax return was accepted? ›

When you electronically file your taxes, the IRS confirms each tax return with an Acknowledgement Record. It will either indicate “Accepted” or “Rejected.” A “Rejected” status will include a description of what needs to be fixed on the return. You'll have to re-file, but you won't have to pay again with 1040.com.

Can your refund amount change after being accepted? ›

If we made any changes to your tax return, your refund amount may change. You'll receive a letter in the mail (Notice of Tax Return Change ) with the details of the changes and the updated refund amount. Common changes include: Withholding or payments don't match our records.

What reasons would the IRS reject your return? ›

Some common culprits that could cause a rejection are mismatched names, SSNs, employer EINs, electronic signature numbers, or an expired TIN.

Why is my refund still processing after being accepted? ›

A tax refund could be delayed weeks or even months in some cases. The length of the delay may depend on how backed up the IRS is on processing tax returns, whether you turn around requested documentation quickly, and whether you need to file an amended return.

What happens after a refund is accepted? ›

If you're getting a refund, the IRS will take a deeper look at your return after it's accepted. They'll look for math errors, check if you owe back taxes or unpaid child support, and more. If they need to make any corrections, they may offset (reduce) or increase your refund.

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