How long does it take IRS to approve your refund?
(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.
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.
"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.
(added March 14, 2022) After you verify your identity and tax return information using this service, it may take up to nine weeks to complete the processing of the return. Visit Where's My Refund? or use the IRS2Go mobile app 2-3 weeks after using this service to check your refund status.
As the return is processed, whether it was filed electronically or on paper, it may be delayed due to: Mistakes. Missing information. Suspicious activity referred by banks.
Taxpayers should make IRS.gov their first stop to get information on filing a tax return. There is information on Choosing a tax professional, IRS Free File, Answers to tax questions and Tips on filing a return. Taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit typically get their refund in less than 21 days.
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.
This may happen if your return is incomplete or incorrect. The IRS may send you instructions through the mail if it needs additional information to process your return. You may also experience delays if you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit.
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.
Respond to IRS Letters
When the IRS is questioning whether a return is legitimate, it will send taxpayers a letter asking them to authenticate their identity, and it will not process their return and issue their refund until the taxpayer responds to the letter and completes the authentication process.
Has the IRS started approving refunds 2024?
Tax season began on Jan. 29, 2024, when the IRS started accepting and processing 2023 tax returns. As of the week ending March 8, the agency has processed about 62 million returns and issued more than 43 million refunds. To date, the average refund issued in 2024 is $3,145.
It means your return is being processed. and you have nothing to worry about for now. If you have been waiting for longer than 21 days after your return has been accepted then you can contact the IRS to check the status of your return.
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.
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.
Refund has been processed means that they have approved and are ready to send you your refund. Your return being processed mean that your tax return is being processed. Your status should change from being processed to accepted and then a date given for your refund.
Date Return E-Filed | Date Direct Deposit Sent | Date Paper Check Mailed |
---|---|---|
March 25 | April 51 | April 121 |
April 1 | April 121 | April 191 |
April 8 | April 191 | April 261 |
April 15 (Filing Deadline) | April 26 | May 1 |
Most Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) related refunds should be available in bank accounts or on debit cards by Feb. 27 if taxpayers chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with their tax return.
The IRS could also be holding up your refund if it requires additional review or is incomplete. If you're an early filer who claimed the earned income tax credit or the additional child tax credit, the IRS could not legally issue your tax refund before mid-February.
It will generally mail you a notice if there is a problem with your return. 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.
In general, disqualifying income is investment income such as taxable and tax-exempt interest, dividends, child's interest and dividend income reported on the return, child's tax-exempt interest reported on Form 8814, line 1b, net rental and royalty income, net capital gain income, other portfolio income, and net ...
What causes the IRS to reject your return?
If your tax return was rejected, it could be due to a number of reasons – such as missing information. However, there could be another issue, like a name or number that doesn't match up with the data the IRS already has on file.
- Mismatched Personal Information. ...
- Previously Accepted Return. ...
- Dependent Claimed On Another Return. ...
- Dependent Files Own Return. ...
- Electronic Signature Mismatch. ...
- EIN Does Not Match.
If the IRS decides that your return merits a second glance, you'll be issued a CP05 Notice. This notice lets you know that your return is being reviewed to verify any or all of the following: Your income. Your tax withholding.
This is tax-related identity theft. The IRS scans tax returns for possible fraud. If a tax return is flagged as suspicious, the agency will pull it for more review. Then the IRS will send the taxpayer a letter notifying them of potential ID theft.
ITR filing is incomplete and is not processed till it is e-verified. In case ITR V is verified, you can follow up with CPC on their helpline numbers 1800 103 0025 (or) 1800 419 0025 (or) 080-61464700 from Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. You can also submit your grievance in the e-filing portal.
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