When you file your federal tax return, it goes through a few different stages with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These stages include being “accepted” and “approved,” and it’s essential to understand the distinction between these two stages. This article will delve into what it means when your tax return is “accepted” but not yet “approved” by the IRS and offer some guidance on what you can do during this waiting period.
Understanding the IRS Tax Return Process
After electronically filing your tax return, it goes through three general stages:
- Return Received (or Accepted): This is the initial stage, where your tax return has been received by the IRS, and they’ve checked it for basic errors such as missing information or glaring discrepancies. If your tax return passes this initial review, it is “accepted.”
- Return Approved: In the next stage, the IRS goes over your tax return in more detail. They’ll check the calculations, verify information, and make sure no fraud or identity theft is occurring. If everything checks out, your return is “approved.” This means your refund is approved as well.
- Refund Sent: The final stage is when your tax refund is issued. If you opted for a direct deposit, the refund would be transferred to your bank account. If you requested a mailed check, it would be sent to your mailing address.
Accepted But Not Approved – What Does It Mean?
If your tax return status is “accepted” but not yet “approved,” it simply means that your return is still under review. While it’s passed the initial check for any basic errors, the IRS is still in the process of verifying the information you submitted.
During the peak of tax season, the IRS receives a massive volume of tax returns, and each one has to be reviewed. It’s not uncommon for this process to take some time, often a few weeks. If it’s only been a few days since your return was accepted, there’s usually no need to worry; it’s normal for the approval to take a bit longer.
What Can You Do?
While you’re waiting for your tax return to be approved, there are a few things you can do:
- Check Your Status: The IRS provides a tool called “Where’s My Refund?” on their website. You can use this tool to check the status of your tax return and refund. You’ll need your Social Security number or ITIN, your filing status, and the exact amount of your refund to use the tool.
- Stay Patient: The IRS asks taxpayers to wait for 21 days for e-filed tax returns and six weeks for mailed paper returns before contacting them about the status of a return or refund. The IRS processes returns in the order they’re received, so all you can do is wait.
- Be Ready to Provide More Information: In some cases, the IRS may need more information to process your return. They will contact you by mail if this is necessary.
Conclusion
In summary, if the IRS has accepted your tax return but not approved it, it’s typically no cause for alarm. It simply means your return is still being reviewed. Keep in mind that the IRS processes millions of tax returns every year, and during peak times, it can take longer for returns to be reviewed. Check your status through the IRS website, and be prepared to provide additional information if needed. However, if it’s been longer than 21 days (for e-filed returns) or six weeks (for paper returns), consider contacting the IRS to inquire about your return’s status.
