What is the current IRS status on processing returns?

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Last updated 2/15

Congratulations on finishing your taxes!

We know how important your tax refund is to you. Good news, the IRS started processing tax returns on January 30th.   Returns will be processed in the order they were submitted and as soon as your tax return is accepted, we will notify you by email.   This notification could take up to 48 hours.

The IRS estimates that you should receive your tax refund within 21 days of your return being accepted.  The IRS issued more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days last year and expects the same results this year.

Once your tax return has been accepted by the IRS, you can track the status of your refund by logging into your MyTurboTax account or checking the IRS Where’s My Refund Tool.

IRS Update:  The IRS announced today that they are experiencing high traffic on their Where’s My Refund Tool.  As a result, there may be limited availability during busier periods. The IRS has asked the entire tax industry to remind customers to only check Where’s My Refund once a day. IRS systems are only updated once a day, usually overnight.

 

1,796 responses to “What is the current IRS status on processing returns?”

  1. First I have to wait until Jan 30 to have my return accepted. Now I am being told it will be Late February or early March. When does the IRS wait for their money. Every tax payer that has to wait until March should be able to charge a penalty and interest. Fair is Fair. I could care less if its congress fault. The IRS wouldn’t care who’s fault if I couldn’t pay.

    • On January 28, the IRS announced that processing of tax returns that include Form 8863 (Education Credits) will be delayed until mid-February. Click here for the official IRS announcement.

      Form 8863 is used to claim two higher education credits – the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit.

      This is a nationwide delay, affecting all tax returns that include this form. No matter which tax preparation software, tax preparation service, or tax preparer you choose, all returns containing Form 8863 will be delayed.

  2. filed with turbo tax on the Jan. 29th. efile status says pending. does this mean the irs has not recived my return? I was under the understanding that it would be sent to them on Jan. 30.

  3. Hi last year my daughter turn eighteen, my so were he guardian until she turn eighteen. he filed for her as his dependent then that was last year . She is now in collage and stays at the dorms. does he still have the right to claim her on his taxes or do I claim her again since she is in collage.

    • Hi Lena,
      If your son was only the guardian until she was 18 then you can claim her, but the following tests must be met:
      – As your “qualifying child” she could not provide over half of her own support.
      – She must be a US Citizen, National, or resident of Canada or Mexico
      If you son still supports her then he would be able to claim her as long as:
      – As his “qualifying relative” he provides over half of her support
      – She didn’t make over $3,800 in 2012
      – She meets the citizenship test
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis

  4. I filed my taxes on 1/17/2013 and it still say pending yet my friend who filed after me had hers accepted early and is expecting a deposit on 2/1. I do not have an education credit… What is going on with that?

    • Hi D’Nita,
      Both federal and state tax returns may have been sent a little earlier. You also mentioned earlier that you claimed education credits on form 8863 so your federal tax return may not be accepted because of that.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis

  5. It makes no sense that they delayed processing for those of us that used form 8863. Why not tell people that before hand especially when it is a new form to most of us that had to fill it out. I wouldn’t have done mine early if I had of known that. Especially since my place of employment had ours to us by the 25th of January.

  6. My taxs just got rejected they said my birthday don’t match social securitys records??? I double check and it is right what now

  7. I have already filed using TT but unfortunantly my status show pending because I am one of the many that itimize, education credit etc.. Is there a more specific date yet as to when the IRS expects to start excepting taxes like mine…instead of just the “late February to Mid March”

    • i heard rumors this morning of a expected date of 2/15/13….lets keep our fingers crossed as myn is the same as yours and i need my money as a single mom!!

      • just found out direct from the irs website…..

        Beginning Feb. 14, the IRS will start processing both paper and e-filed returns claiming itemized deductions on Schedule A, the higher education tuition and fees deduction on Form 8917 and the educator expenses deduction. Based on filings last year, about nine million tax returns claimed any of these deductions on returns received by the IRS before Feb. 14.

        People using e-file for these delayed forms can get a head start because many major software providers have announced they will accept these impacted returns immediately. The software providers will hold onto the returns and then electronically submit them after the IRS systems open on Feb. 14 for the delayed forms.

      • That’s from last year you may want to read it again and check the date from where you copied it off of the IRS website.

      • Hi Dressmaker – It seems it will be late February to March to coincide with the IRS. I know that’s not the new you wanted to hear. Thanks, Karen

      • Turbo Tax KarenL – I filed w TT on 1/16 and its still pending. I did have the Education form thing but if its still “pending” with TT, what does that EXACTLY mean? Please be specific, PLEASE

      • Hey all… tT AND IR had a bunch of UPDATES last night!!! To include depreciation and college stuff….keep checking your WMR status!! Lets keep hoping!!!!

  8. I filed on the 26th of jan. and it’s still pending how long will it take for IRS to process my return ? This waiting around is killing me

    • this is direct from the irs website…..

      Beginning Feb. 14, the IRS will start processing both paper and e-filed returns claiming itemized deductions on Schedule A, the higher education tuition and fees deduction on Form 8917 and the educator expenses deduction. Based on filings last year, about nine million tax returns claimed any of these deductions on returns received by the IRS before Feb. 14.

      People using e-file for these delayed forms can get a head start because many major software providers have announced they will accept these impacted returns immediately. The software providers will hold onto the returns and then electronically submit them after the IRS systems open on Feb. 14 for the delayed forms.

      • Andrea… The information you got from the IRS site is from years ago. It is outdated and has nothing to do with the current IRS processing delays.

        Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • Hi,

        Where did you find this article at on the IRS website. I have been looking for it and cannot find it. Thanks for any help on this.

        Paul

  9. My return is still in pending mode? I filed the 29th along with two of my friends there’s has been accepted and mine is still in pending mode? Is that normal?

  10. Why does my return contInue to say receIved by turbotax from 1/28 and today Is the 31 and It has not been sent to Irs…my brother dId hIs return yesterday and It was sent to Irs and accepted..what Is really happenIng

  11. i filled my taxes on jan 25th 2013 around 8in the morning now i did put on my taxes that i wad in school woth my tuition information etc. but did not use 8836 form does this mean mu tax return still womt get pricessed till mid feb.

  12. I see that the time from filing with Turbo tax to acceptance or rejected is about 24hrs. Yet my status is still pending? Is something wrong?

    • Jen… Nothing is wrong. If the expectation is 24 turnaround by the IRS, you should expect maybe 2-3 days given the huge backlog they had to process starting on Jan 30. Your patience will be rewarded!

      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

  13. Will the whole refund amount be put on hold until the IRS is ready to process education credits? It just do not seem right to do that. Has Turbo even tried to send tax returns off even if they contain education credits?

    • Cynthia.. The entire return will be put on hold if you have an education credit. So yes, your entire refund will be delayed until the IRS opens processing for these returns. There is no way around this. If we send returns to the IRS now with education credits in them, they will be rejected.

      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • Bob,

        In regard to the other people who have said their returns were accepted before the 30th can you explain my efile status from Turbo Tax:

        2012 Federal Personal
        TurboTax Electronic Postmark: January 12, 2013 08:05 PM PST
        Status: Accepted!
        Accepted on:
        January 24, 2013 10:06 PM PST
        What this means:
        Congratulations! The IRS has accepted this return, and you’re finished with your taxes.
        Next steps:
        To check the status of your tax refund:
        •Visit the IRS website
        •Download the MyTaxRefund app for your iPhone or Android
        You can also save a copy of your tax return for your records. Learn more Hide Efile History
        Received by TurboTax | 01/12/13 08:05:28 PM
        Your return has been received. You can expect to receive an email acknowledgment within 24-48 hours, indicating whether or not your e-file was accepted.
        Sent to Tax Authority | 01/24/13 08:29:12 AM
        The filing has been transmitted to the agency and the agency has accepted (but not acknowledged) the filing. The system is now waiting for an acknowledgment message from the agency regarding the filing.
        Accepted | 01/24/13 10:06:22 PM
        The filing has been successfully acknowledged by the agency.

        Any help that you can give or explanation would be great help to me and many others.

        Thanks
        Paul

      • Paul… Your return happened to be one of the returns transmitted to the IRS under their early systems testing (but real live processing). As the email and status indicated, your return was accepted by the IRS on Jan 24. Accepted yes! But not completely processed. It wasn’t until sometime between Jan 24 and Jan 28 that the IRS realized that they needed to do further work to reflect fiscal cliff legislation for education credits. So your return was taken off the assembly line and put in a temporary holding place until all the work on education credits is completed. So that means no refund until the IRS gets all these backend systems reprogrammed for the late legislative changes. And even after they start processing returns for the education credits, they still have work to do for those who are claiming depreciation on Form 4562. This situation is not over yet.

        Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • ok. Thanks for your information. That is the hard part in getting information. I like many other people just want our refunds. This will be the latest I have ever received a refund, ever. I am a full time college student, part time work, and have custody of my son so this tax refund every year helps to pay bills and purchase books and other things. Will u guys know when the returns start processing? I do not have to resend it right? I am also hoping that they do them in order or receipt but I do not expect it.

        Thank You,

        Paul

      • Everyone wants their refund. It is YOUR money and it is unfortunate that fiscal cliff negotiations claimed hard working taxpayers as victims. We understand people use tax refunds to pay down credit card bills, pay rent, utilities and tuition, and make those deferred repairs on the house and car.

        Remember that you are in a special situation in that the IRS already accepted your return. When the IRS opens for Form 8633, you should be first in line for processing. You won’t have to resubmit anything. As soon as we get more information from the IRS on this topic, we will pass it along (just as we are doing each day via emails). Paul, I appreciate your engagement on this site. You’re raising questions and concerns many others have.

        Thanks.
        Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

    • No they have not put them through…that’s the part that upsets me…put them through and let the IRS decide what they’re going to do. I think that’s fair

      • Lisa,
        You stated to Autumn that you cannot put tax returns through that have Form 8863 until the IRS has fixed the programming. Mine was accepted on January 24th, obviously mine was a test one, so how do you explain this and why I have not received a refund but I received the notice stating the IRS accepted my return. This is actually getting more and more confusing and upsetting.

      • Paul… As I mentioned in one of my earlier responses to you, you are in the exception category because your return was ACCEPTED by the IRS prior to the time they decided to put a hold on ALL subsequent returns that have Form 8633. Yes, they accepted your return but then realized that they had additional work to do. Accepted does not mean your return has gone through complete IRS processing. That will happen when they re-open for returns containing Form 8633.

        Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • BoB I don’t get it i talked with customer service and they told me my refund was not sent because of form 8633 but i did not fill out any refund for education this year. They are telling me that my information is being held until IRS is accepting form 8633 no matter if i used it or not

  14. My return is in pending status and according to the TurboTax update, you have not sent my return to the Irs, so it has not been transmitted. I would like my return back so I can take my business elsewhere.

    • Ashley… Returns are forwarded to the IRS almost immediately after you send them to us. Once you submit them, they cannot be stopped unless they are rejected. Taking your return elsewhere will not speed up any processing but rather put you in the back of the line.

      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • If my return has been transmitted but not aknowledged probably due to form 4562….can I efile with another company and omit the 4562 form? Or will it bounce because it is already transmitted?

    • there are many other forms that put a refund on hold till the end of feb date….if your status has not changed i would check your paperwork (online print and view) and see if you have other forms that are on the irs form list…i did this cuz i thought i was clear but then seen that i had one of the forms on the list and now i have to wait….sucks but atleast i know now 🙂

    • After e-filing, your federal return may sit in “Pending” status 24-48 hours before its status changes. And if you e-filed before January 30, when the IRS starts processing the backlog of early-filed 2012 returns, your return will likely remain in “Pending” status through February 1 or even later.

      You can check your efile status in TurboTax at this link to see where you stand.

      http://turbotax.intuit.com/support/go/GEN12476

  15. Hi,

    My return got accepted on the 24th. The IRS website says that its still under process. How long does it take for the IRS to process?

  16. I just found out that my efile is delayed because I have form 8863 for education credit. I don’t understand why the IRS waited to tell us on Januaray 28th, they will not start excepting returns till Mid-Feb with the education credit, But one thing I know, that if you owe the IRS money they sure don’t wait to come after YOU with full force. Just saying..

    • Upset… You’re right about the difference between owing and getting a refund! If you had to pay, they will deposit the money immediately, but if you have a refund, it may be delayed. Something’s wrong with this since it is YOUR money! Good observation Upset!

      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

  17. was accepted by IRS on the 24th and taxes still being processed checked the IRS website and processing……..Called number and its all generic I have no education credits nothing different on my return do know if there is another reason for the delay

  18. One of the articles states that
    Note: If your federal return is being held, your state return may also be delayed. Some state tax authorities require that the federal return is accepted before they can start processing.

    How do I know if my state is impacted by this?

  19. When I check my efile status it shows my federal was sent to the tax authority on 1/29/13 but my utah state return only says it was recieved by turbotax on 1/25/13 and is still pending. Why is this?

    • Some states have to wait for the IRS to process the return first. So, wait for your federal to be accepted.

      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • My federal will not be processed because of he delay with form 4562 and mt state said my state return and acceptance is not affected by federal delays so why after 7 days is it still pending? On turbotax it only shows that my state return was received by turbotax on 1/25/13 but never sent to Utah tax authority, why is this?? And a person at turbotax just told me my federal and state are sent to the IRS because the IRS pays both state and federal?? What is this??

      • Nicole… Since your return includes Form 4562, the IRS has not processed it yet, which also means that they have not forwarded to Utah for processing. Our latest information suggests that all returns currently on IRS hold for Form 4562 will result in the state also being delayed. That’s because the process for almost every state is that the IRS processes the return and then turns over the data to the state. However, the IRS does NOT pay any state refunds.

        One last bit of info. We are exploring ways of stripping out the state information and sending it separately to the states so your state refund is not further delayed. You will hear about this more if we can pull this off.

        Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

  20. our refund has been pending for federal and state since 1/28/13 what is the wait time for acceptance of our taxes ?

    • Deborah… The IRS did not start processing returns until Jan 30. Give them AT LEAST 2-3 days to get through the backlog.

      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • Unemployment rate is high and with the problems the IRS is having they need to hire some more people or at least it sounds like that to me. Anybody else agree? We should write President Obama so he can tell the IRS to get off their butts and stop making TT look bad.

      • i checked with the irs and they have no record of my return.i filed a paper return yesterday.dont know why i have to pay a fee to turbo tax when all you do is send in an incorrect return.last year it was my state return ,which i had to contact my state rep to get it corrected.this year my federal and state returns were incorrect.

      • TurboTaxBob,
        I dont think its IRS delay right now. I know many other people that have used different companis and they have gotten their refunds back on time. I’m thinking its Turbotax that has the issues right now. I know next year Turbo Tax will not have my buisness.

  21. I filed on the 12th of January got an email that the IRS reject my refund cause of my sons social security number check it and it was correct re filed and it was changed from the 12 to the 26, and it is 7:28 pm January 30, and my exile says pending why

    • Cruz… The IRS did not start processing return until Jan 30. Give the IRS at least 2-3 days (preferable even longer to get through their backlog).

      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

  22. I filed my taxes they turbo tax on January 17th and it’s still showing as pending. If they are going by the date that you filed how are people that filed in the last couple days finding out when they are getting their refund and mine is still pending

    • T sad… And why not? The IRS delays affect all taxpayers, all software vendors, and all tax preparers. Nothing we can do to change the processing at the IRS. They are dealing with legislation signed into law on Jan 2 and I’m sure their team has been working around the clock to implement all those last minute changes. That’s exactly what we did and fortunately we were much quicker. We’re accepting returns, but unfortunately we have to store some until those changes are completed at the IRS.

      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • why do these laws not go into affect next year?
        This does not allow for changes in withholding or other strategies that would insure we would not owe money to the IRS. They took their time implementing these changes. They should be applied next year.

      • With all do respect, the tax year for 2012 had little to nothing to do with a delay in processing. The only exceptions being relief for the Sandy Storm. Generally 99% of returns would not have been affected by any legislature passed in 2013. It is ludicrous at best for the IRS to use that excuse.

      • When will returns with education credits be accepted? I filed on Jan 31st and still have not been accepted.

  23. I completed my returns by using my last check stub, and it was accepted. I received my w2 and they have made a mistake on it. They didn’t exclude the non taxable mileage reimbursement that is excluded every year. It is only 61.71 and made only a $5 difference in my refund. Will the IRS correct this, or will I have to amend my taxes? I have contacted my employer, but haven’t received a response about getting a corrected w2.

    • TURBOTAX KARENL- Can you give me some info on this question please. I have never had this problem, and don’t understand why the company has sent our W2s out like this, this year. I have no idea how this will work since our return was accepted.

  24. I submitted my efile yesterday and found out my bank acct was closed due to a big mistake on the acct now I don’t have a bank acct for the direct deposit. what now and how long before I get get my check and how.

    • Marie… That’s a bummer! Unfortunately, your refund check will be delayed several weeks. First, the IRS will have to wait for the direct deposit to be dishonored by the bank, then it will take them several more weeks to issue the refund in check form. I wish I had better news, but I do want you to have accurate information.

      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • t is very unfortunate for me cause its a mistake I have no control over. We have such great systems in computers and you would think they could upgrade some kind of system for errors like this. I not only will be charged 29.99 for services I really didn’t need but also 29.99 for bank processing that’s void and now I have to wait for a check in the mail several weeks. How long is several weeks to you? Is that from the time it goes back from the bank and why does it take IRS several weeks before they process something already done. I just don’t get it. Sorry

      • when i did my taxes i filed my education credit then do i still need to fil a 8863 form? I wasnt told anything about an extra form

      • Hi Demetria,
        Thank you for the advice, but unfortunately this will not work. There will be fees incurred especially since TurboTax and the bank did not have any control over the account being closed. Everything is already in process.
        Thank you,
        Lisa Greene-Lewis

    • Alexis… It’s not too surprising. The IRS is dealing with huge volumes after holding back returns for more than a week. The initial processing may take longer than the 24-48 hours. Plus, they just started processing returns on Jan 30.

      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

    • Hi Walt – The IRS is saying that most refunds will be processed within 21 days of the IRS accepting your tax return. And, Direct Deposit is the quickest way to receive your refund.
      Thanks,
      KarenL

    • TurboTax Bob,
      What happens if your tax return is in pending for the 3rd week in a row and clearly not filed, and you make a change to the return and resubmit it while still in pending status due to credit changes from IRS ? If Turbo tax is saying its pending STILL and you will refile it when they let you, that means you haven’t filed it and I should be able to make changes and resubmit!

      • Turbo Tax KarenL,

        Hi I just have some questions for you. One is if they have the programing errors fixed then why would they wait 6 days to start doing the returns for Form 8863? One thing it would be a bad business move. Another is they are already accepting tax returns, and issuing refunds on returns prepared with the 4562 Form as of yesterday. So what is going to happen between now andthe 14th with form 8863 and people that file a new tax return with that form? Is their return going to sit at the IRS for 22 days because that is what it will be for me on the 14th. You guys are going to lose MILLIONS of customers, MILLIONS…

    • Once a return is submitted it cannot be corrected, you would have to amend your return. If the deposit does not clear the IRS will hold the return and you can contact them to give them new deposit information, or they can mail a paper check. This WILL hold up the time it takes for you to receive your return.

    • Lilly… If your return was already accepted, then the IRS will not allow you to correct the account number. See my response above for what happens when the account number is wrong or closed. However, you may wish to contact the IRS to ensure the account number does not belong to someone else. If it does, there is a good chance the refund will go into their account and that can be a mess to resolve. You may be more successful contacting your bank first. Good luck.

      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • I have been in college two years. They said the education credit was for 2500 but Im only recieving 1000. Anyone know why Im not recieving the full credit?

      • This happened to me last year. I inadvertently put in a wrong digit in my account number. IRS will not deposit into an account which does not match the filed return’s social security number. However, you may have to contact your local IRS office to get it straightened out.

      • Hello, i do have education credit but is it possible that i can change filing that credit and file it later to recieve my refund sooner than mid feb or march?

      • I know that this is not a Turbotax problem, but it upsets me that the IRS expects us to be on time with filing by April 15, is it too much to ask for them to be up-to-date, on time, and ready to accept my return when I file!!!

      • If you remove the education credit from your return (and you have not yet filed), you can submit your return for processing. Then when the IRS starts processing the credits, you can file an amended return to claim the credit. However, please do not forget to do this since the education credit can be worth up to $2500 in your pocket. This is YOUR money so make sure you don’t overlook it!!!

        Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • I have read So many comments and am So confused. This situation is nuts. IRS has a list of forms that are on a delay according to the email I received explaining the reason why my return has not been accepted. Please explain to me Why the form for the educational credit is Not on this list? There is a link to the IRS article on TUBOTAX email.

      • So let me get this right. The IRS did not find the error until 1/28 right. My return was submitted on 1/12 and accepted on 1/24 which is four days before they find this problem. So even with Form 8863 where is my refund knowing they accepted my return 4 days before the problem.

      • I wish someone could help me I still havent heard about mine and it wont let me say my daughter is a full time high school student for some reason the question is there on that paper but i can’t click yes on it why? I would love to have my tax papers back so I can go somewhere else how can I do that also? Since it hasnt got processed yet. No education papers on mine. So what is the deal here?

      • Why did I only get $1000 back for the education credit? It says thats all I can get every year? Are they something I’m missing or not doing?

      • I understand the Federal refund but my state hasnt been accepted and i filed on the 1rst of Feb ..I am a student is the state affected also with the delay

  25. I filed on 1/23/13 at 4:00 p.m. A friend filed yesterday and received notification yesterday. When should I expect notification?

    • Hi Michael – The IRS just started accepting returns yesterday. And, they announced that any returns that include education credits will not be accepted until mid-February. If you don’t have education credits, it’s possible a form you need is not yet finalized. Give it a day or two and if you need more individual help, you can contact support and they can let you know what’s going on with your individual situation. https://turbotax.intuit.com/support/contact/
      Thank you,
      KarenL

      • Well I have read other comments on here as to other claiming the education tax credits and their return was accepted and got a dd date too!

      • Hey Turbo Tax Karen since ur answering everyone else question answer mine why didnt they add my daughter on my tax paper when i said she lived with me the whole year and senior in high school? they added her but didnt add her where they ask how many live with me they just added my son?

      • Hi Paula,
        Are you getting the dependent deduction for your daughter and other deductions related to her being a dependent? If not please go back through your personal information section and the section where you answer questions about your dependents. Many people speed through those sections and all it takes is to miss one question. Also make sure you entered social security numbers correctly.
        If you did all this, please contact one of our tax experts so they can talk to you in person.
        Type in a question an scroll down to contact us you will be routed to an agent.
        Thank you,
        Lisa Greene-Lewis

      • Yes i have did that over and over and the answer is correct it claims her as a dependent but not claiming her as living with me and I answered 12 months she lived with me i would like it fixed or i will contact IRS and file a complaint against this service and make sure it gets done the right way by PROFESSIONALS

      • ok i filed on 28th and mine was the 1098t form which has to do with education credit but it wasnt one of the forms listed that said mid-feb. my e file status has been in pending status for about five days now. why is that?

      • Hope the IRS does not have marching orders to slow down the refund process. With the fight over raising the debt ceiling and kicking the deficit can down the road again and again, I’m becoming skeptical. My return is still pending after more then a week.

    • EVERYONE filing a return with an education credit will be delayed according to an IRS announcement made on Jan 28. No exceptions, no matter who prepares your return, no matter whether your efile or paper file. Period!

      Furthermore, for those who filed with one of the education credits Jan 28 or earlier will see their status as ACCEPTED by the IRS, but the IRS will hold it until they finish updating their systems for fiscal cliff legislation signed on Jan 2.

      Yes, this news stinks, but we’re just trying to keep everyone informed as quickly as we get this information. For more information on the education credits delay, see our blog at http://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/2013/01/28/irs-update-for-form-8863-education-tax-credits/#comment-38940.

      Thanks and hang in there!
      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • Hi Bob,

        This is Paul again. I have some information for you. I have two friends of mine that are in school. Im from Ohio and so are both of my friends. They both filed their returns the day after I did. They both had Form 8863 on the returns to receive the American Opportunity Credit . Both of their returns were accepted on 1/31 and they have a deposit date of 2/5. They both went through HRBlock and did not get a Refund loan or anything like that through them. I am just relaying the message because my return and many others we down with the same form and “pulled” and it is just getting more confusing the more information that is being released online in blogs and question centers for TT, HR Block, and more.
        Thanks for reading.

      • U know now im pissed because u keep saying thay we can not re submitt our taxes why lie because in ur notice on the front page it clearly says u all are securely holding our taxes until the mid if feb wat is the truth is it a money issue r wat idk but it is bad business to me

      • Thanks Bob this post made the most since of them all!! By stating the issue which is that all returns claiming an educational credit will most def. be delayed is not enough. We need to know why? You stated the why, which was due to the IRS updating their systems regarding the fairly new fiscal cliff legislation just signed on Jan .2 ,2013 was so golden to me!!!! I was so frustrated trying to figure out why. I could not find that information on the IRS website and don’t believe much I Google but I do trust and believe Turbo Tax. Now my brain can rest and wait. LOL (smile) You’re an angel Turbo Tax Bob. God Bless!

      • ANY WORD ON AN UPDATE FROM THE IRS YET. TURBO TAX DID NOT GIVE ME THE OPTION OF BEING INFORMED PRIOR TO EFILING MY RETURN. OTHER TAX PROGRAMS MADE THERE CLIENTS AWARE. WHY WHY TURBOTAX??????

      • Is form 4562 holding returns up.mine has been in for 5 days and I don’t have a education credit and it is still pending

      • I efiled on 1/16 with TurboTax and havent received anything saying it was received/denied. I did get a message from TT saying my return is pending ONLY when I log into my TT acct, no emailed message or anything. But Im a little confused…TT said I had all forms needed to file and Im a student and sure Im one who has to wait for the update. As many have mentioned, it kind of sucks because the IRS should have rules when to update certain forms. I know the fiscal changes are the reason for the delay but to up and change it 2 days before the start of the tax season is ridiculous. They knew about this on 1/2 and decided to inconvenience everyone. I just pray this reprogramming thing happens real soon.

      • Paul–that is my very same question/problem. i have a few friends that used h&r block with the same credits as i have and they have been accepted and have deposit dates. one of my friends actually got her refund today (state and federal). kinda makes you wonder if it is truly the IRS or if TT is dropping the ball this year. none-the-less, i will be using h&r next year. it would have been nice to know all these new “laws” before filing or i would have just waited. thanks for charging me $100 TT yall rock! not……

      • Bob – just for the record – mine was filed on the 25th and was always pending – never accepted so there will be some filed before the 30th that were never accepted. I think it is just hit or miss. I understand the procedure and have always used turbo tax – you are a great program and it seems quite obvious to me this is not the fault of turbo tax…I will continue to use you in the future. Hopefully we will recieve a specific date from IRS on the filing soon – Thanks again

      • Bob – thanks for the info but for the record, I didn’t file with an education credit. I filed on 02/07 and I’m STILL waiting to hear if it was accepted or rejected. I have attempted to chat and call with a TT technician to understand what is wrong specifically with my return, but I get absolutely no where. I’ve been filing taxes with you guys for years, and the first time I need some personal attention, I get absolutely none.

      • I do not have education credits on my return and they still have not been accepted after over a week. Again I have no education credits.

    • The IRS did not start accepting efile returns until Jan 30, 2013 due to the “fiscal cliff” decision that needed to be made. Once that was decided and adjustments were made, the IRS had to make sure they were up and running and would not encounter any problems, they are now ready and accepting returns. They are required to wait for lawmakers to interpret tax laws and changes, so they have to wait just as we do.

      • Gina – There were many laws slated to expire that were beneficial to taxpayers. So, Congress made the decisions to allow the changes that were made to be in effect for the 2012 tax year. Thanks, Karen

      • I just read the article. I know this is not a turbotax problem, but honestly, the IRS expects us to be on time with filing, so I expect them to be on time and up-to-date and ready to accept my return when I file it!

      • I filed on the 30th, then I found out that the IRS isn’t accepting the returns with the Education credit…I had already submitted mine…I went back in a adjusted it..is that enough?

      • If I owed them a few thousand dollars I am sure they would have accepted my tax return with no questions asked. I am so disgusted with the IRS right now. I have NEVER had an issue before. Even had to ammend my taxes two times in my lifetime because I received paperwork after I filed….I am one of the HONEST filers and feel like they are taking advantage of us.

      • I think that it’s not fair that the people whom filed their taxes beofre the IRS decided to make that announcement should have to wait until mid Feb.I filed my taxes on Jan.26 and how was I suppose to know what was going on with the IRS and the school credits,so what am I suppose to do,I have already filed and my efile status still says pending,so when well it be accepted.I feel that the people that filed before the annoucement hit that we should still receive our taxes just like everyone else.

  26. $96 to file?! you have got to be kidding… Im the one inputting the information! youre just forwarding it to the IRS. What a joke and waste of $96.

    • Hey Richard… Let’s put is like this… yes you did the data entry but it was their software that did the actual math. It was a not brainer for you and all error were fixed before you submitted your returns… It’s a fair exchange and could have been far worse if you would have went into someone’s office who did the same thing for you using the same type of software and forms. If you know like I know, you take the responsibility for the information you put in and don’t have to worry about companies like Jackson Hewitt how screwed up your taxes but tried to put the blame on you. Then had the nerve to tell you we are doing you a favor by not charging you for the correct… Really take the $96 and run… You’ll get a discount next year… I did this year and will never let anyone do my taxes again.. .Turbo Tax has this Woman for life.

      • Yes, but what if your expected tax return is only $200. half of it just went to turbo tax. Where does the money get distributed from there? The employees that do the maintence on the website certainly aren’t making that much money on the hour. and if allgorithums do all the math there isn’t an actual person there facilitating the exchange, so where is all the money going? I used H&R Block last year and only paid them $40 dollars.

      • Vonnie it did not cost me 96.00 because i kept it simple . I did not ask for extra help and i recieved a better refund then paying the irs offices here. I love it too.

    • Hi Richard, I know it may seem like a lot but. have you thought about all the time that went into Turbo reviewing all the tax laws and updates, asking the right questions so you don’t make a mistake and the calculation process. It is much more than just entering data. I think it is a value as well as much cheaper than going to a tax office. I love Turbo Tax!

    • Excuse me if this sounds unprofessional, but you appear to have the time to complain, why not just go do the math yourself and not complain, saving yourself 5 minutes and saving us from your whining? My taxes are complicated and I use this service because it best serves my needs. I don’t go to McDonalds and complain about them because they don’t fit my needs. Get a life, Richard.

      • not very nice Ben it seems that everybody is agitated this is the year we all need our monies i too have been waiting since 1/28/13 state accepted and fed pending…be nice erolon

      • I file my taxes on jan.30….i still havent got accpected from the irs… what in the world is going on …and turbo is telling me that im still pending…. HELP PLEASE ANYONE

      • mine is still in appending state and I hope that they will go soon I need my little change to buy school stuff this quarter

    • I am having the same problem. My state was accepted but the federal has been saying pending since Jan 30th any idea whats going on. I also helped a friend with hers on the 6th of Feb. and hers says accepted.

      • You still will not recieve your funds because of the education credit that you entered. Start looking for your returns to come mid feb around 21 or 25 close to the end of the month. this is what the IRS agent explained to me. Hope this helped.

      • Hope yours was accepted by now. I e-filed mine on February 9th and although State accepted the return within 72 hours, Federal is still pending. IRS has yet to accept.

  27. IRS accepted my return Jan 24th I just checked the wheres my refund and the website is down so I called the 800# and was told my refund would deposit Feb 1st.

      • For anyone that wasn’t aware of the “test run” the irs actually did accept or reject some returns from Jan.23-Jan29. I was told it was a test to make sure everything was going to work smoothly. Mine was accepted on Jan.28th, and I know many people that had theirs accepted before then. So yes, some returns were accepted prior to Jan. 30th.

      • TT is a freaking joke!! I waited 45 minutes to speak to representative that could barely speak english. He could not answer questions, was typing them into for someone else to answer. Basically, they told me to have patience… Seriously, you tell me to have patience. My federal still says pending, my state says accepted, but yet I can’t track refund, because the IRS says they have not received it. This cannot be explained. I am so disappointed in TT. This has truly been a nightmare!!!!!

      • @lisa baker – I had the exact same issue. I can’t get a hold of someone who speaks English and if they do, can tell me anything beyond ‘have patience’. It’s been 11 days since I filed and still the IRS doesn’t have it. Any suggestions?

    • how did you file your return before the Jan 30th start date? I am confused….TT and the IRS website said they will not be accepting returns until Jan 30th. Did you file it with TT on Jan 24th and TT sent it to the IRS on the 30th? If you could, please elaborate, I am very curious and I am sure others are as well…Thanks!

      • Here is what I received from Turbo Tax on January 24, 2013

        2012 Federal Personal
        TurboTax Electronic Postmark: January 12, 2013 08:05 PM PST
        Status: Accepted!
        Accepted on:
        January 24, 2013 10:06 PM PST
        What this means:
        Congratulations! The IRS has accepted this return, and you’re finished with your taxes.
        Next steps:
        To check the status of your tax refund:
        •Visit the IRS website
        •Download the MyTaxRefund app for your iPhone or Android
        You can also save a copy of your tax return for your records. Learn more Hide Efile History
        Received by TurboTax | 01/12/13 08:05:28 PM
        Your return has been received. You can expect to receive an email acknowledgment within 24-48 hours, indicating whether or not your e-file was accepted.
        Sent to Tax Authority | 01/24/13 08:29:12 AM
        The filing has been transmitted to the agency and the agency has accepted (but not acknowledged) the filing. The system is now waiting for an acknowledgment message from the agency regarding the filing.
        Accepted | 01/24/13 10:06:22 PM
        The filing has been successfully acknowledged by the agency.

      • Alison/Paul… Small batches of returns were actually transmitted to the IRS prior to the official opening date for purposes of validating and testing the IRS systems. So you may see some reports of acceptance prior to Jan 30. This is not exceptional as the IRS will always (and prudently) do real world testing before opening their doors to millions.

      • Don’t worry there is a delay in the tax returns with any credits that are listed, I am waiting on my tax credits from school and tax return to be accepted I have had mine pending now since January 25th 2013. It sucks having to wait but its the IRS’s fault not Turbo Taxes, they cant control what the IRS does. I think Turbo Tax is great regardless of this minor delay.

      • There are certain forms that IRS was not excepting until mid feb. If you had an education credit that would be one of them.

      • mines as well is saying pending and my state have been accepted, the reason for the pending was because if you filed for the education credit that form was not ready until to february 14, 2012 which is TODAY TT so, I am hoping that TT get the things on the road

      • Turbo tax was selected to be allowed to get returns accepted earlier as a part of a training process per say to see if there systems were ready to go for Jan. 30th. I was also selected and it was accepted Jan. 27.

    • Mine was transmitted and accepted on the 25th however the where’s my refund site still says processing… I was told by customer service that the IRS started acception small batches of several hundred returns from various tax companies such as TT, Taxact, Taxslayer to test their systems and the rep said we were one of the ones where it was accepted and the IRS started processing those returns in the order they were recieved. Now the waiting for the updates on WMR starts.. maybe I should just call IRS and see if they have finished processing,. Its a pretty straight forward return but does have forms from colleges listed for two students.

      • hey tina mine was pretty much the same and standard also except one college deduction also and im wondering if ours is going to be delayed with the rest mid feb. with the school deductions or if since it was accepted early if it may be a little earlier… any news yet? mine still says processing also..??

      • I am a college student and I am having the same issue’s. I filled my taxes before the 30th, but my state has been accepted but the federal is still pending….I just waiting

      • Hi Tina,
        I also filed a form for college but my return hasnt been accepted yet. I filed 1/16/13. I filed TT and they are saying its pending. Im confused

      • thats where im confused because my husband filed the 16th of jan. and its still pending today(2.6.13) and i filed my return yesterday(2.5.13) and it was already accepted. so obviously its not first come first serve??

      • 1-800-829-1040 just push 1 then do not push any other number..no numbers and you will eventually be put through to a person..system does not know how to accept a none reponse

    • so did you get your direct deposit on Feb1st? IRS accepted mine on Feb1st and until now it’s still being reviewed. Please advice. Thanks!

      • Turbo Tax completed a form that I didn’t need. Now my return is being held up. I can’t seem to find a number to call Turbo Tax. I filed on the 29th of Jan , it is still pending.

    • Why is it H & R block customers have already been accepted and received their tax returns and i did mine on the 1/31 and federal is still pending and state accepted with the exact same deductions???, this is ridiculous and I paid $86.99 to file them and sent to IRS efile, this is the last time im useing TT, i have filed my taxes on this site every year and every year i have delays and every year i pay more so thanks TT i will not be filing next year using your system!!!!

      • Paulette, It’s not TT, if you have a credit or a rental property on your tax return the IRS isn’t accepting those until the end of February, no matter what service you use.
        I’m frustrated too, as my state refund arrived in 7 days, and the IRS still hasn’t accepted my filing… Today is 2/16/13

      • yup thats true paulette….H & R they have already accepted people and the bank are putting in there acct…..and where is ours????? Its the same IRS…. its not different from that!!!!

      • Paulette H&R Block is a much better tax service I used them for 12 yrs not a problem, Tried TT and paid $90.00 less. Well I guess you get what you pay for. Pay cheap get cheap service. H&R Block is right down the road from me and if have any delays or issues, they call me into office w/ free of additional charge. Infact if they mess up, its totally free. I am going back to H&R for now on and pay an extra $100.00. FYI TT is getting sued by me for false and misleading advertisement.

    • TT told me my state was was being processed and come to find out my state was not even submitted and they lied and said they were already at the ste waiting to be processed so i decided to go back and look myself and saw the problem today 2/13 i filed on 1/29 no communication

    • I filed on Jan 31st. I checked the where’s my refund on Fri Feb 8th to see if evedrything was ok. And it said mailing my refund on Mon Feb 11th I thought Fantastic that’s great. Now it has changed back to processing. Anyone elese have this happen on the “where’s my refund.” Also I filed simple return 1040 EZ.

      • Joann IRS is Playing F–king games with us. The longer they hold our refunds the more money in intrest they make off our hard earned dollars. Thank broke ass congress for this. I filed way back almost 1.5 months and still pending. I want my money and want the F–ker now. I have bill collectors calling because refunds are severly delayed this year cause thay are broke asses due to wallstreet. Soon I will get pissed off enough that I won’t file a investment earnings. screw them

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