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. i submitted my taxes on 1/30/13 and It is still pending.. I went in and removed the education but it did not resubmit. What else can I do

    • Hi Markita – Once it has been submitted for e-file, that is how it will be sent to the IRS. Going back and making changes while it is in that pending state will not take. You will want to contact support to have them help you with the solution in your particular situation. Here’s the link https://turbotax.intuit.com/support/contact/ Thanks, Karen

  2. Hello Turbo Tax.. I got a quick question I filed on Jan 31st. I got accepted same day.. I still havent got approved yet. If I owe money to IRS will that delay me from getting the rest of my refund or is that the reason why mine is still showing accepted but not approved?

  3. I filed my taxes January 21 and the IRS still has not accepted them yet. I had hoped to get a confirmation within 24-48 hours of January 30, but it’s February 3 and still nothing.

  4. Turbotax did not inform me of the education credit holdup before efiling my tax return. Other tax programs made their clients aware of the delay, and then they had an option of waiting or filing for the credit at a later date. How come turbo tax did not allow me this option? i filed today, how long will it after the IRS accepts my tax return before I can expect my refund?

    • Hi Robin, The IRS did not announce the delay until January 28th, and we immediately took what actions we could to notify and assist affected customers. Here is what we posted at the time. We understand your frustration and look forward to the IRS getting its systems up to speed. –Christopher http://turbotax.intuit.com/support/go/GEN83271

    • Hi Robin,
      I am sorry for this situation. Returns with the education credit should begin processing mid-February. The IRS anticipates that 9 out of 10 taxpayers will receive their refund within 21 days or sooner. Thank you for your patience.
      Karen

      • TT just wants to pocket the fees they are charging their customers, that’s why you dont find out about the hold up until you go check the IRS WMR status and they dont have any information on your return. I used TT last year and was pleased with the experience and fee. This year, the fee was outrageous and the “hold up” is what will make me NOT use them again.

      • Karen L – TT
        Please – you just gave 2 different answers on this blog regarding the same situation – JEEZ

      • I just talked to an IRS agent on February 18 at 9:00am. He said NO ONE who had education credits to claim had received a direct deposit date or a refund. Even if your return was ACCEPTED prior to FEB 14 your acceptance date was still Feb 14 and your 21 days for your refund begin from FEB 14. He said you could knock off 10 days from the 21 days if you have your refubd direct deposited. He said we SHOULD hear something later this week.

    • Hi Kristen – Yes, the Form 8863 is for Education Credits. The IRS should begin processing returns with that form in the next week or so…they say mid-February. Most taxpayers will receive their refund within 21 days. Thanks,
      Karen

    • Hi Sharon – It is possible it is affected if they 1098-T form resulted in an education credit. If that is the case, the IRS will begin processing those returns mid-February. It is anticipated that 9 of 10 taxpayers will receive their refunds in 21 days or less after their return as been processed. Thank you, Karen

  5. You have said a number of times that the state is not dependant to the federal or the education form so why are you not processing the state??

    • Amy… Most states (I believe all but 2 states) receive your tax return from the IRS. When the IRS processes your tax return, they forward to the state your state specific information. With the IRS holding the processing of certain returns, the states will also be delayed. We are working with the states and IRS to find a way around this. This is not a TurboTax issue, but simply the way electronic filing works.

      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • I posted a question (lengthy) post/question yest….saw that it said was awaiting moderation…now it’s gone? Was a question re: deductions and depreciation…and THOSE returns being held as well??? Please advise…
        Thanks
        DCL

      • it has been way over 24-48hours for me i have actually been waiting 6days now and my status is still pending and all it say’s is received by turbotax what is going on??

  6. I filed my taxes jan 22 was approved jan 26th by irs and today feb 2 my refund was approved supposed to be in bank on feb 6th. My sister did her taxes jan 18th her taxes were approved jan 25th and she received her money yesterday feb 1st as irs said she would . just thought I would put this on here to give u a timeline about how long they are taking. Neither one of us had any education credits

  7. Well my state was sent too the Tax Authority, however no acceptance far better than what it was last night still waiting on my federal portion too be sent off, hopefully next few days but Im a 8863 filer too so it maybe a week or 2 I have seen some ppl are getting there refunds with that 8863 but it might have been during the test run IDK.

    • Jeremiah… No one with a Form 8863 will be getting their tax return processed until the IRS reprograms their systems. There are no known exception regardless of how you file your return. Also, because your state return was likely filed with the federal, your state return will also be held up. That’s because the IRS forwards to the state the tax return after it has gone through federal processing. Sorry for the bummer news. By the way, you will continue to see your efiling status as Pending until the IRS processes the return.

      Bob Meighan
      VP, TurboTax

      • Bob – I to, filed thru TT on Jan 26th but I have a 8863. What I have noticed is that people that have been processed are getting their refunds very quickly. Will my tax filing go thru right away when the IRS begins accepting them and do you think the processing will be fast as well? I know the date is Mid Feb. – do you know a more exact time?

      • Cynthia… We do not have a more specific date from the IRS at this time. When we do, it will be reflected in communications to you and from within the efile status notification in TurboTax.

        If it weren’t for Form 8633, you would see your refund very quickly. Once the IRS starts processing this form, I think you’ll get your refund quickly. The IRS also understands the importance and urgency for a quick refund.

        Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • I filed with another program because of this and got approved so TurbTax has not sent our returns and should allow customers to remove those forms and resend the returns to the IRS.

      • Hi Bob – any new info on the 8863 filers – I know you must have something – please pass it on!!

      • Ashley… Once your submit your return to the IRS it cannot be pulled back unless the IRS rejects it.

        Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • I filed on 1/25 and my federal still shows Pending. My State was accepted on 1/7 I have a AMT credit from last years taxes is that still holding up my federal? When will it be processed?

  8. IRS form that 1040 filers can begin filing in mid-February

    Taxpayers using this form can begin filing their tax returns in mid-February after the IRS updates its processing systems.
    •Form 8863 Education Credits

    List of IRS forms that 1040 filers can begin filing in late February or into March 2013

    The following tax forms will be accepted by the IRS in late February or into March after updating forms and completing programming and testing of its processing systems. A specific date will be announced in the near future.
    •Form 3800 General Business Credit
    •Form 4136 Credit for Federal Tax Paid on Fuels
    •Form 4562 Depreciation and Amortization (Including Information on Listed Property)
    •Form 5074 Allocation of Individual Income Tax to Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
    •Form 5471 Information Return of U.S. Persons With Respect to Certain Foreign Corporations
    •Form 5695 Residential Energy Credits
    •Form 5735 American Samoa Economic Development Credit
    •Form 5884 Work Opportunity Credit
    •Form 6478 Credit for Alcohol Used as Fuel
    •Form 6765 Credit for Increasing Research Activities
    •Form 8396 Mortgage Interest Credit
    •Form 8582 Passive Activity Loss Limitations
    •Form 8820 Orphan Drug Credit
    •Form 8834 Qualified Plug-in Electric and Electric Vehicle Credit
    •Form 8839 Qualified Adoption Expenses
    •Form 8844 Empowerment Zone and Renewal Community Employment Credit
    •Form 8845 Indian Employment Credit
    •Form 8859 District of Columbia First-Time Homebuyer Credit
    •Form 8864 Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel Fuels Credit
    •Form 8874 New Markets Credits
    •Form 8900 Qualified Railroad Track Maintenance Credit
    •Form 8903 Domestic Production Activities Deduction
    •Form 8908 Energy Efficient Home Credit
    •Form 8909 Energy Efficient Appliance Credit
    •Form 8910 Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit
    •Form 8911 Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit
    •Form 8912 Credit to Holders of Tax Credit Bonds
    •Form 8923 Mine Rescue Team Training Credit
    •Form 8932 Credit for Employer Differential Wage Payments
    •Form 8936 Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit

  9. REC’D THIS EMAIL AFTER FILING LAST NIGHT??? THOUGHT THEY WERE ACCEPTING EFILES?? WHAT DEDUCTIONS OR CREDITS ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT?? i HAVE A SIMPLE HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD RETURN…JUST THE NORMAL STUFF??? “The IRS is not ready to accept tax returns that have certain deductions or credits in them – like yours. Your return will be automatically sent to the IRS as soon as they’re ready to process it. This is a nationwide delay for all returns like yours – no matter who prepares them.”

    • Hi Deb,
      Sorry you’re having problems. Can you please contact our tax experts so you can talk to them one-on-one. Go to the “help along the way” tab, type in your question, scroll down and click on “contact us”
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis

  10. Where’s my post and question? Why did you delete it? Didn’t like that it made you look bad? Did you send my return or not? you say you did and you say you have it ready to send when the IRS will accept it. If you didn’t send it I want it back. I don’t want to wait possibly a month and a half to get my refund because of one form. I want an answer, stop deleting my posts. You can keep my filing fee just give me my return back. I know you still have it, if the forms not ready how did you send it??? hmmm? I will never do business with you again.

    • Hi Craig,
      Unfortunately the IRS did not discover they needed to modify their system in order to accept form 8863 until they ran test right before they began to accept refunds on 1/30. Please see the IRS announcement
      http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-To-Accept-Returns-Claiming-Education-Credits-by-Mid-February
      We wish we would have known before then as well, but the IRS didn’t even know.
      If you need to speak to our tax experts or an agent go to the “help along the way” tab, type in your question, scroll down to and click “contact us”.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis

      • Lisa, I uploaded my tax return on January 31, 2013. Four days later, I have yet to get a response other than pending. Should I be concerned? Is there anyone who knows a one 800 number that I can call? I want to make sure that my e-filing made it to the federal government. P.S. I have three people in my home who are presently in college, my wife, son, daughter. I entered all that information in my tax form (8863)but I don’t believe I receive any type of additional credit as a result. Would that be the cause of my delay, my status still showing pending?

  11. YOU GUYS ARE ACTING LIKE PATHETIC CHILDREN! ITS BEEN 2 DAYS……I get we all are looking forward to our returns but REALLY lets blame TT. GOOD THINKING…I am sure that will make the money fairy act faster.

  12. I just got off the phone with a IR agent. She did not know what I was talking about in regard to Form 8863. All she had was that my return was processing. Turbo Tax knew on the 28th but did not let their customers know till the 30th. That is pretty nasty and not a good business pratice and a good way to lose customers. The IRS did do some returns early as a test (around 1 million) and they found a programming error on Form 8863. I guess that it takes 3 or 4 weeks to fix a programming error. I am a computer programmer and this is crap because a programming error can be fixed in a couple hours if the company wants to fix it that fast instead of deciding to make people wait. This is all about making us college students wait, wait, and keep playing that waiting game…

      • Walt… We do not manage your notifications. Obviously, you must have checked a box on this blog to notify you of comments/new posts. Go back in here and uncheck the box(es).

        Thanks,
        Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

    • I agree and I think this is some bull cramp, I received another email about my State tax and I don’t see anything wrong with it. It states this below. I’m really getting sick of this and you can’t get no answers, now they saying mid march smh

      Your Pennsylvania return wasn’t e-filed because of an issue in the return. But hang on, we’re here to help you fix what went wrong and get the return filed.

      What do I do now?
      If you’re using a CD or downloaded version of TurboTax:
      – Update TurboTax (visit our Support Site if you need help updating)
      – Go back through your Pennsylvania return from the beginning
      – E-file your return (you won’t be charged for e-filing again)

      If you’re using the online version:
      – Log into your TurboTax Online account
      – Go back through your Pennsylvania return from the beginning
      – E-file your return (you won’t be charged again)

      Please note: Your refund may change due to an update to the product. We apologize for any inconvenience.

      Thank you for using TurboTax!

      • Hi Juanita,
        Please call and speak to a tax expert to resolve your issue. Go to the “help along the way” tab, type in your question, scroll down to the bottom of the page, Click “contact us”.
        It will be best if you speck to a tax expert live so they can tell you what to do.
        Thank you,
        Lisa Greene-Lewis

    • Paul… Perhaps you did not see my response above. Pls read it. We DID NOT know anything about the IRS suspending processing of Form 8863 until the public announcement on Jan 28. Anything to the contrary is simply NOT true. We notified our customers via a blog article the same day we learned of this. Once we were able to identify those actually affected by this we sent them an email earlier this week. In terms of responsiveness, there is no way we could have moved any faster. Fortunately, we now have more functionality available to us to move even faster if we get any more curve balls from the IRS.

      One last point. TurboTax has had all the changes incorporated into the product to prepare and calculate the education credits since early Jan. We are 100% ready and have been. The delay is absolutely NOT on our end. As soon as the IRS opens their doors for processing Form 8863, we will be pushing them through the IRS pipeline as fast as they can accept them.

      I appreciate your concerns and voice for all others who share your thoughts, but want to make sure you have the facts.

      Thanks,
      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • Why can’t I go back in and take the education credit off and file?? According to my email, Turbo tax is holding it before they file it so it won’t be rejected. Well 25.00 isn’t worth the wait.

      • can someone tell me why my refund status says that mines is lined up for processing and when irs is ready to set up processing returns like mine then you will send to irs. i thought my return was already sent.

      • Bob Meighan, VP Turbo Tax

        So when us people with form 8863 keep getting the Return Processing on Where’s My Refund the IRS does not actually have our return? Our return will be processed all over again when they start accepting them? Also we do know that there were test returns done and some of them had Form 8863 and they have gotten a refund. I am sure you can understand our thoughts and concerns. The reason too as to why I did this was because I talked on Turbo Tax chat to a Christopher who told me “I could go back into my return on Turbo Tax, delete the 8863, and then efile my return again” of which I found out that his cannot be done unless the IRS rejects the return? I am upset most about that. I do not have a problem waiting on my refund but feeel that since the IRS accepted my and many other peoples efiled returns with Form 8863 they should have completed them ASAP instead of dragging their feet with programming problems. There are a lot of us computer programmers out there and we know that it does not take no 3 weeks to fix a programming error.
        Thanks
        Paul

      • I just want to know if my refund is sitting with the IRS or if TT will be notified and send it in mid – feb. Just afraid I will be overlooked. My status is pending because of my 8863. Hopefully these returns will be processed as quickly as some of the others I am aware of. My boyfriend filed on the 26th and is scheduled to recieve his funds on 2-4-13 that is only a week for processing and deposit

      • Paul… Your specific case is an exception because your return was processed in the initial pre-Jan 30 “testing” phase (testing but real live data). I will explain your situation separately because I know you have another post elsewhere asking for this (sure wish you could post in one place!).

        Although some returns were initially ACCEPTED by the IRS that contained Form 8863, they were not processed end-to-end. In other words, your return passed the initial validation tests to be accepted. However, because the IRS learned after the fact that additional work was needed for Form 8863, these returns were put aside. They will not be processed until their systems are completely reprogrammed and tested. That also mean no refunds for these returns until later. Furthermore, because your return was ACCEPTED by the IRS, your return cannot be resubmitted again (with or without Form 8863). Had your return been REJECTED (as the IRS should have done), you could have resubmitted the return without the education credit and then later filed an amended return for the credit. From what I hear, you and many, many thousands of others will have to wait.

        One last point, you have to remember that many of the IRS systems are 30-50 years old. Programming them is extremely difficult because they are still using antiquated/obsolete programming languages. I’m sure few programmers today could even figure out those languages, but if you’re looking for a job, you may have lifetime employment keeping those massive mainframe computers humming along.

        Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • Hi Turbotax Bob, I see all the discussion re delayed taxes because of the education credits forms…I don’t have those credits…but I do have a small home business and some depreciation… We filed on the 18 th of Jan….my retrain has still not been accepted by the IRS…below is the e-mail msg I received from Turbo Tax…. Uggggg when will my return be accepted?? And if no errors.when can I expect my direct deposit??? 🙁 I looove Turbo tax…and have used t for the last 10 years…and while I’ve had a couple of glitches…NOTHING like this year?? Thanks for your help…
        DCL

        Important Information About Your Tax Return
        A quick update on your federal tax return
        Although you submitted your return earlier this month, you may have heard that the IRS is not ready to accept tax returns that have certain deductions or credits in them – like yours.

        Your return is currently being held because it contains these deductions and/or credits: Form 4562 – Depreciation.

        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.

        This is a nationwide delay for all returns like yours – no matter who prepares them. Don’t worry, you won’t lose your place in line. We’ve got your return ready to go as soon as the IRS is ready to process it.

        Next step: keep watching your email.

        We’ll send you another message when there is an update on the status of your return.

        More information from the TurboTax Support site

        More information from the IRS

      • I had also filed my income tax return on January 17 and it was accepted by the IRS on January 24 which leads me to believe that mines was a test run and I also claimed education credits with form 8863. When I check the IRS Where’s My Refund Site it shows refund processing while on the MyTaxRefund app, it shows my estimated refund date to be before February 20, 2013. I just want to clarify, it is possible that the IRS is holding in a queue and the ones that were initially processed and accepted prior to the IRS delays will be among the first ones to be processed when the reprogramming is complete or is it possible that some of these refunds fall through the cracks and the IRS winds up processing them before hand anyway?

    • THE GOVERNMENT IS BROKE PAUL. THAT IS WHY THEY ARE MAKING THE STUDENTS WAIT. THANK OBAMA FOR THE WHOLE FISCAL CLIFF THING.

    • Paul – I have been following your questions and have the same situation as you with the 8863. However, the IRS agent I spoke with was really helpful. They stated that our returns will go right thru as soon as the system is ready — BY March 15th and most likely sooner. Dont worry…I need the money too. The date is scheduled closer to the 11th than the 15th. My boyfriend had his return within 7 days total from accepted to DD in his account so they are moving fast once they are processed. I feel bad because it is obvious you continue to stress and worry….I feel for you but there is nothing else you can do right now. See what happens by the 15th and then we shall see – PEACE…

      • Ok I have now heard Feb 15th and March 15th is there any idea as to which one. We are having our wedding April 20th and getting kind of nervous.

      • Hi Cynthia and Julie,

        In your response back to me. You put down March 15th and I think that you meant February 15th for Form 8663 processing to start. I hope that they do it earlier. That would be nice of them. I have also heard February 7th and February 11th. I gave up on calling in to the IRS to talk to somebody. Last time I called the man could not even speak English and I hung up. If it wasn’t for my car needing fixed, I have books to buy for school, and tuition to pay I would give up. The school I go to I cannot fill out my FASFA until I have a copy of my accepted tax return. I am not mad at Turbo Tax as I have done my returns with them for years now. I am however upset because the IRS has thousands of people who work for them and the programming of one form takes 10 days now. One good thing is one return was one of the test ones done on 1/12 and accepted on 1/24 so the IRS did say that the test ones for Form 8663 will be done first.

      • So what is the exact date for education credits to begin processing? Don’t tell me mid February or March. I’ve heard enough of that.

  13. ARE YOU PEOPLE KIDDING ME!!!! have some patience. IT HAS NOT EVEN BEEN OPEN FOR 48 hrs. Take a deep breath! Nobody is screwing you over….this is not burger king!

  14. it says there is a delay for some people with the kinds of deductions or credits i have.. is it because we are military?

    • Hi Kim,
      We also have Free federal with no e-file fee. We also have the Free File Alliance program for taxpayers making under $57,000.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis

      • My husband and both made under 42,000 and still got charged 39 a piece for both federal and state return! What is up with that?

      • Amy, you have to use the TurboTax Freedom site in order to get them done for free. You have to search around until you find the sites that will do them for free and then choose which one you want to trust to do them right.

  15. I filed a form 8863 and used TaxAct and the website won’t even allow me to submit the taxes- they said that they will automatically submit them mid february. Which really means March. I remember this happening last year. I filed Jan 12th with TurboTax and didn’t get my return until April 30th and then! find out that I am being audited and my state was never accepted! And I had purchased the audit protection through turbotax! So this year I used TaxAct. Lets see if they are better than TT. I would rather pay double to ensure my return is being made correctly! forget turbotax! TURBO LACK!

    • Hi Kim,
      I’m sorry you feel this way. I am not sure about the details of your previous tax refund, but we don’t have control over IRS processing times and when they send your tax refund. If you have a notice, it may just be an adjustment letter. I suggest you contact our audit support to find out what to do.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis

  16. I filed 01/06/13. I filed a simple return using only my W-2’s yet my return is still pending. I filed my boyfriend’s taxes thorough TT day’s later and his return was accepted 01/24/13….what’s the problem?

  17. We filed our return on 1/25/13. We did not file form 8863. IRS site says only those who filed 8863 are being delayed. We received an email about our return being delayed and our status is pending. Why????

  18. I feel that having to wait till mid march for my refund is crap! I’ve been a college student for years now I’ve always filed end of January receiving the college credit and I got my money within 8 – 10 days … TT showed on there website last night that my federal was received but my state was rejected … So I checked no errors to be found resubmitted last night which changed my date for state and now it shows that because I received the college credit that I won’t get my refund till early- mid march wtf!

  19. I filed a education deduction and am very upset because now it is on hold. it was only an extra 25.00 and I would like to take it off, yet you say I can’t because it was already sent, BUT and here is the BUT, you also are telling me that I am in line and when the IRS is accepting them you will send them. So what the Hell? either it has already been sent or are you holding them? Because if you are holding them, then I want it removed and would like to them sent without it. This is crazy.

    • @ Erica where did you find a notification indicating why your return was held up? I would to check and see it mine is held up due to the same reason which I am pretty sure it is but still want to see it with my own eyes just like you have. Please respond!

    • I read somewhere on the TT blog that there are around 3,000,000 people how have the Form 8863 so that could be good or bad. I am not happy but I see people getting on here who have already received their refunds and telling us to wait, quit being girls, quit complaining, and so on and so on. I am very sorry but they have their refund already so why be on here anyway other than to single people out and brag…

  20. I have been filing my taxes with tt for over 15 years and they have never done me wrong. All of the people complaining if you actually take the time and either scroll up and read previous tt explanations or read the explanations already given to you by tt you would know what was going on. Additionally, I will be all of you complaining, fussing and threatening, once you get you ON Time refund won’t come back on here and apologize and thank tt!!

  21. How ironic!! The government expects expediency on the part of the taxpayers in getting our paperwork togther and mailed to them in a timely fashion but they can’t get their own crap togther to have all their forms in place on time……a delay because of education credits??? Someone in the government obviously needs an education…typical red tape, bureaucratic BS at its finest !!!! It is not like taxes are being filed for the first time in the history of our country, unfortunately!!! Jeezzze

  22. I will never use turbo tax. I think they’re not on top of this. Don’t just give us a answer that leaves us more confuse. H R Block going forward again.

    • Hi – The issue with Form 8863, Education Credits, 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. This link has more details:

      http://turbotax.intuit.com/support/go/GEN83271

  23. To Everyone:

    Everyone is getting mad at Turbo Tax over something that is out of there control. Nothing is going to change by talk BS over something that has to do with the IRS. If you all know how to read and look up information in the computer you would find the IRS website that mentions about the form 8863 and the fact that their computer system is not recognizing the forms. It is that serous people really, that money was not there for you at the being of the year and you have been living this whole time without the money. Keep moving on and stop the all the BS. I am a student and I have to deal with the same thing and you do here going off on the wrong people about this. You want to blame someone blame the IRS because they are the one that change everything around on the 1/29/2013. Really get over it because I have been doing my tax with them for over 6 years and they have never done me wrong. Really people stop your crying.

    • I think your post is well stated and necessary, “Grow Up”. I have filed using the Education Credit as well and I understand what the common sense people are saying as to why we are not receiving our refunds as of yet. I am irritated a bit, but life is too short. They are working on their programming and it is as simple as that. I am glad you posted this because some of the negative comments that people are making especially to the Turbo Tax staff is ridiculous and plain rude. Grow up indeed. We all work hard and want our money, rather in special situations or not, but I think that Turbo Tax has been great as always. For those who do not care to use the software again (who most likely will they are just upset) there are so many others as myself who appreciate Turbo Tax so no worries. I rather pay the small amount they ask for then to go somewhere else and have someone not only mess up my return, but possibly sell my information to someone else. People have gone through this so be grateful. I am not logged in to my account, but I had to post something (my name is listed). I think it is sad and disturbing how so many people are being negative and wanting to find someone to blame. In regards to the comment on Obama you may cry over him being in office, but as a person who did vote for him please review the White House site and get your facts together. One thing that I truly appreciate about him is that he is for change, improvements, and everything about him is crystal clear and broken down. I may be incorrect in posting this, but that particular person seems to simply not know and needs a course in American Government. I hope everyone is enjoying their day and people please just enforce yourself with knowledge. It really does matter when you are making such comments and embarrassing yourself. Speaking off of emotions does often make you look quite foolish so calm down beforehand so you can at least sound educated. Lastly, thanks to all the Turbo Tax staff who take time out of their day to offer such helpful assistance to us all and I will apologize for the ones who are being plain rude because they know not what they do. Money makes people act in such a way sometimes.

      • T. Franklin thank you I am glad that someone understands the facts and is using there head. I’m sick of hearing the samething from everyone that is the reason why I posted that comment. Not for one sec could I blame Turbo Tax for something that is out of their hand, and you are so right money makes people act like kids. I feel bad for the employees of Turbo taxs that have to deal with grow up that act like this.

      • I 100% agree T.Franklin. I think some people don’t realize pres. Obama doesn’t work alone. I have used TT for years, and many of my friends do as well, because I refered TT to them. I have never had a problem, until this year, and that was with form 8812 for people using ITIN numbers, claiming child tax. credit. That was NOT TT’s fault though. My taxes are now filed, accepted, and I have a DD date. I realize many of us really need this money right now, but placing blame, where it isn’t deserved, and getting yourselves so upset, won’t hurry the process along any faster. Be patient, calm, and understanding….good things shall come soon, maybe not as soon as you would like, but it is coming 🙂

      • I agree.Turbo Tax has gotten money back for m for the past 3 years. I too am a student and claimed the education credit. I hate having to wait, but it is out of our hands. You have that money coming to you so wait you will get it.

    • Actually it was the 28th of January. People obviously do not know how to read. The reason why us people are upset is that many of us are adult students, who work, have children to support, rent to pay, food to buy, etc. We are not the average student living off of mom and dad to support us and be there when we need money. We are grown up and have earned the right to be mad about this.

      • Paul
        That is the sad part about it! All of you are students and parents that have the same responsibility that a lot of us have, but we are not acting like little kids about it. I have a family of six and the only one that goes to school and the only one that works six days a week. You don’t hear me yell and getting mad over the tax’s because I was making it before and I will make it after because that money is only here to give extra in our pockets not to make it seem that it is a life a death thing like everyone is making it seem. Everyone that is going off about this BS really, everyone needs to look at their self and how uneducated all you guys look with these post you’re writing. Come on really what is it doing for you by acting like this.

    • Please consider you are making huge allegations just as you accuse others of doing to TT. Some of us are seeing a different picture. Only asking for an understanding of we’re our taxes physically are as TT status says (in my case) IRS received them on Jan 28, however the IRS shows I don’t exist at all versus, an acknowledgment they are there and on hold. Also, we are all not screaming for the money (although valid in need and earning) for those of us who require a government FASFA to go to college, this can not be completed until the federal return is processed. So potentially, some is may not receive out student loans or any aid of any kind to continue college next year. Valid concern. Please be more kind in your generalizations and accusations.

      • Hey Jim I’m a college student I just filled my FAFSA and it was processed and my federal tax has not been except yet as we’ll.. I like so many other ppl our waiting for my student credits to be processed… FAFSA only asks if u filed for taxes or planned to not when it’s processed …. Hope this helps

  24. Not accepting returns with education credits til mid February?! Are u kidding me?! Why? Why do I have to wait until march now to get my taxes back because I decided to go back to school to get a better job. That is ridiculous. Stupid government. I should of just waited to file then.

  25. All these questions that we have for Turbo Tax and no answers. What does that tell you? They are not concerned whatsover. They will not even tell you if they sent your return. And call the IRS and talk to a agent, WOW, they do not even know what is going on. We are being screwed over, us students and parents with sons or daughters in college. My only question is how can Turbo Tax say the IRS has accepted my return when Form 8863 is supposedly not ready. Here is what TT has sent to me:

    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.

    • Paul… From what I’m seeing here, we have been very responsive to answering questions. In your case, it appears that your return may have been sent to the IRS early in conjunction with their early testing of their systems. So while your return may have been accepted earlier than the official Jan 30 opening, your return will probably still be processed on the timeframe of their Jan 30 processing cycles (if you don’t have an education credit in your return).

      The IRS actually accepted hundreds of thousands of returns with the education credit PRIOR to their decision to delay processing of those returns. In other words, they accepted those returns with education credits and THEN announced they would not process them until sometime in mid-February. So at this time, those returns (and yours if you have the credit) are at the IRS waiting for their systems to be programmed for Form 8863. Yours is certainly an exceptional case and it’s not surprising that most of our agents or even IRS agents are familiar with these details. Nevertheless, your IRS status is what it is and unfortunately we can’t change it.

      We understand how important refunds are to everyone and that is why we are working closely with the IRS to do everything possible to accelerate processing.

      Thanks,
      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • Hey Paul why didn’t I get an email from you guys about the IRS? When are you going to send my taxes over to the IRS. One day I call your rep says you guys are holding them the next day I call your rep says their in the IRS data base!!!! Which is it? Answers PLEASE!!!!

    • I agree, I even sent them an email and no response. I can’t take my takes back, they won’t allow it, saying they were already sent, yet, the tell me I won’t lose my place in line to efile as soon as the irs is ready to accept them. I mean what the hell. I just want my stuff back so I can take the damn education credit off and send them without. it was only 25.00. This is bull.

      • Hi Deb,
        We wish we would have known that IRS would not be able to process the form, but they didn’t know either until they performed test right before they opened the season. Please see their announcement made on 1/28
        http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-To-Accept-Returns-Claiming-Education-Credits-by-Mid-February
        As far as removing the education credit, unfortunately once you authorize e-file we can’t get the tax return back and change it.
        I know it’s frustrating because now it’s on hold but the system already understands your return should be e-filed. The only way something can be changed is if your return is rejected by the IRS.
        Sorry. Once we here any updates from the IRS we will provide an update so check back with the blog.
        Thank you,
        Lisa Greene-Lewis

    • The IRS found problems with their systems processing form 8863 AFTER you submitted your taxes. Also IRS just announced 1/30 that they would begin processing returns without form 8863.

      Take a breath, relax, life’s too short. Would you rather they make mistakes processing your return and drag you in for an audit? Thank our government and those that vote for them in making last minute changes to tax laws because they can’t work together…

      • People keep talking about last minute tax law changes. OK these were done on the 2nd of January. The IRS started processing returns on the 30th and then earlier for some test run. So it takes 28 days to update forms. And then another 15 days after that for people filing with Form 8863. I look at it that alot can be done in 28 days including testing and fixing programs on a computer no matter how old or how new they are or am I looking at it wrong?

      • Life is too short… BUT some of us literally can’t even feed ourselves anymore, and we will starve until this refund comes. This is no exaggeration.

  26. I to want to know if my state refund (that was accepted and refund sent electronically to turbotax) on 1/25 is going to be held till my federal (education credit) return is accepted and refunded?

  27. My return was accepted on 1/24 but I haven’t received a notice of when my refund will come. I have checked WMR & called the automated number. But I have seen quite a few people who have the same acceptance date who are already getting their money on 2/1/13. Is anybody else experiencing this?

  28. I filed my return using TT, paid my “dues” and yes I included education credits for our daughter who is a full time college student, who is also on the dean’s list for 2 years in a row, and now the IRS says we have to WAIT until March 2013 for our refund??? Thanks OBAMA, who I did NOT vote for either term, by the way. This sad state of US government system is BROKE and needs to be FIXED. God help us all.

    • Hi,
      Sorry about the delay and congratulations on your daughter. This is an industry wide delay that IRS did not announce until 1/28
      http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-To-Accept-Returns-Claiming-Education-Credits-by-Mid-February
      One positive thing to note, there were many tax laws set to expire, but ended up passing on 1/1. If those would have not passed there may have been many more delays and less money in taxpayer’s pockets.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis

      • The laws passed on 1/2…the IRS picked many returns (like mine) to start processing early. I had an accepted date of 1/25 and still have not seen my status on WMR change. My return also has a 8863 and the IRS still accepted it. The laws passed on 1/2 and the IRS started refunds on 1/30 and now us with 8863 have to wait unitl the middle of February for our returns to be processed AGAIN. Count the days 28 in January and 14 in February to process a return and that is 42 days before us students who are going to school to better ourselves and our families and we have to wait while the IRS drags their feet. When we ask where our return currently is we are told that the IRS has it, that TT has it and will submit it again once the IRS has started accepting returns with 8863. So what is it that’s the truth because all week keep hearing is excuses. My best friend filed his tax return online through Turbo Tax on the 30th and has a DD date of Monday February 4th and with crap like that the people of Turbo Tax is wondering why we are past being angry, upset when we will be waiting twice the 21 days that the IRS says refunds are processed. Once again I say WHAT IS REALLY THE TRUTH?

      • I filed my return Feb 4th with education credits I still haven’t even received an email that it’s been SENT to the IRS, or accepted. I’m still in limbo.

        Why don’t you send out some email updates? You have all our info. I’d be a lot happier knowing that you guys haven’t lost my return. As far as I can tell that’s exactly what has happened.

    • I totally agree. I’m glad they’re earning more interest on OUR money while they hold it a little longer. They shouldn’t have it in the first place. We are destitute and we need this money right now, not a delay. Bet your bottom dollar that we’d get harassed and hounded until we paid up, if we owed them. What a shame we have to feel helpless in this situation. We should be charging THEM interest! The government and the system is a LOST CAUSE! We need to wipe the slate clean and start over…that’s the only hope we have left.

  29. just received notice we have a form that falls in the 10% of forms that will not be processd till mid Feb or March……. because the IRS has to adjust their programming for these forms…. what did they do last year? we received our refund in 14 days … same everything this year…. seems like a stall game to me…. what are they doing in DC?…. 🙁
    if you owe look out they will come after your paycheck.. they owe us we get the stall. Where are the computer programmers here at Dc and the IRS. Major delays for us citizens in getting thier refund, but porgrammers work 24 hrs on election results… where are the computer geeks to assit on the programs needed to process these forms that have been around. did they not know they would need to have these forms update in their computers? Who is asleep at the switch?
    very frustrated, should not be any delay in process refunds.

    • Hi Mimi909,
      You should not amend your tax return unless it is rejected. If you go in and amend it while it is pending the IRS may accept your original tax return and then when you go in and change it again and try and submit it, it will show that your social security number has already been processed.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis

      • Hi Lisa,
        I have been on here complaining about this just like many, many other people have been. If it was switched around and we owed the IRS money that would come at us with everything all the time. Many people feel the same way about us complaining because of lack of timely information by the IRS. I do not blame TT at all. Today though I look at it this way. The IRS agents may not be on the phone today or yesterday but the IRS is still open and they are still processing returns and given people refunds. As of today it has been a week since the IRS told there was going to be a problem with Form 8863. Call into the IRS and they say they do not know what we are talking about. I called on Friday and the lady did not even know what a Form 8863 is. After a week I would say the IRS is dragging their feet. The laws were passed on the 2nd, all of the tax preparers have their systems up with new forms so the IRS should be up to. Or am I one of the whiners (people who have already gotten their refunds are calling us 8863’ers) on here that are upset with 1 type of filer (Student) who is being singled out?

      • The USA income tax will be simplified and the IRS will be replaced by TURBOTAX.
        Although this will not help you this year , we all should have less tax headaches in the near future.

  30. I filed a 1098T tuition credit, I heard that they will not process returns that are linked to tution credits until Fe 15th, by filing on Jan 30th, did I jeopardize my filing by not waiting until Feb 15th?

  31. My federal taxes cannot be processed until the educational credits are accepted by the federal government. Can the state be processed witout it?

    • Hi Angela,
      I am not sure what state you’re in, but we have not heard of specific states having a problem.
      The issue is with IRS discovering they need to make processing modifications so they can accept the form.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis

      • Wow .. so you finally admit you are “HOLDING” returns and have not sent them to the IRS >>??????

        I will be passing out a copy of your response admitting that TT is withholding returns on blogs and email lists …Am sure your customer base will be a lot smaller next year … I am also forwarding your response in admitting that tt is holding returns to news media..

      • Its just not TT holding taxes I filed with Tax USA and they are also holding my taxes because Im using form 8863 and when I submitted my taxes they sent me a messege they will hold it until Feb 14th. It is not TT fault even if they were to send your taxes they would be held if you have complaints contact our government the (Republicans) wanted the new taxs laws they are the one’s holding up your taxes.

      • Hi,
        The returns containing the tax forms that could not be processed by the IRS have to be held because the IRS can not accept them per the IRS announcements. All tax providers had to hold them until the IRS can accept them.
        Thank you,
        Lisa Greene-Lewis

      • So now it says all tax returns that were being held by all tax preparers will now be released to irs on the 10th if it was depreciation form? I thought TT said my form was sent and basically just waiting in the order it was received?

  32. Relax!! Its not Turbo Tax fault for the processing delay, its the IRS. So take a chill pill and they will process your return ASAP. I filed on 01/18/2013 and mine is also pending. Your check is coming, RELAX!!

    • Why would anyone blame an awesome service such as Turbo Tax for the IRS processes that are delaying our refunds? Come on people! How many times does the same response need to be posted here before we understand? Read and re-read, I’m sure you’ll see the answer to the million $$ educational credit question. And, yes, I’m waiting too. But I understood why when I filed my taxes and Turbo Tax immediately provided a message along with a link to the IRS advising of the delay. Anyone becides me see that? Looks like no. In fact, there are many tools on Turbo Tax to help address most, if not all, of the issues brought up on this forum if we read more and gripe less. If I’m being frank, the gripe is with the IRS and not Turbo Tax. Anyone can see that. Come on people!

  33. I filed my w2s on the 24th and i know they didnt start processing them until the 30th but my fiance did hers the same day and if filed successfully but mine is still pending and i called the number and they told me they couldnt find anything and to call back in a week…it said 24-48 hrs and i dont understand why mine is taking so long. i dont have any college credits and i did direct deposit..

  34. So I won’t be able to recieve my refund until mid to late february becuase they haven’t figured out the education credits? Seriously? That’s not fair if everyone else who wasn’t in school this last year gets theirs first even though I filed mine in early January so that I didn’t have to wait for my refund. This is ridiculous. I should be able to receive my refund at the same time that everyone else who filed in early January does.

      • Thank you. I filed my state (Indiana) with you on the 29th and it still says pending. I did have education credits. Per your last response to me my state will still go thru even though I have to wait until mid february for the federal…is that correct? It just seems like 5 days is a long time for my indiana to be accpeted. Thank you!

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