How long before IRS accepts my return?

Question

I e-filed on Feb. 3. On Tuesday the "Where's my refund" said they were processing my return and if no mistakes we would receive it by Feb 20. How long does it usually take before it informs me they have accepted my return? Also my tax preparer told me it would deposit on the 16. Which is correct?

Answer 1

Just so you know, it sounds like the IRS has accepted your return because you were able to get the message that they were processing it and they gave you a general refund date. They always give you a general one and then they update about 4 days before they actually give you a deposit date. In my daughter's case, they updated their info on a Tues to let her know that her deposit would be that coming Friday. They always deposit on Friday, so you will probably get a direct deposit on Feb 16. By the way, I efiled on Feb 1 but since I did not do it before 11AM, instead of getting a refund Feb 9th, now I'm suppose to get one on the 16th, although my "Where's My Refund" page still says Feb 20th.

Here's the efile refund schedule-I just found it! Just click on this link: http://www.taxact.com/products/all_efcycle.asp

Answer 2

If the 'Where's My Refund' link shows ANYTHING about your return, it has already been accepted. That only means the IRS has received the return and did not IMMEDIATELY reject it. If you e-filed on Feb 3, the normal date to process your refund would be Feb 16.

Answer 3

Your return is being reviewed for errors, earned income credit, or a variety of other issues, the refund should be sent out within 2 to 4 weeks as long as the return has no issues. If you owe a balance for a previous year the amount you owe will be taken from your refund and any over the amount you owe would be refunded to you