If you filed your taxes and see that your IRS refund status says "accepted," you might be wondering when the IRS will approve your refund. It's that waiting time when many of us check our phones daily. We refresh the IRS website, hoping for news.
I’ve been there too. I’ve filed my taxes many times. Each year has its quirks, but one thing stays the same: patience is key. But that doesn’t mean you should sit back and wait without having some idea of what’s going on behind the scenes. Here’s what you need to know about your tax refund after acceptance:
What happens next
How long it takes
Steps to track it
So, My Tax Return Was Accepted—What Happens Next?
When you file your taxes, there are three major stages your return goes through:
You submit your tax return to the IRS through electronic means or by mail.
Acceptance – The IRS receives and acknowledges your return. This is a good sign! It means they’ve verified it, and you are now officially registered in their system.
Approval and Refund – This is the last step. They approve your refund and send it out, either by direct deposit or check.
If you’ve gotten the “accepted” status, that’s great news. It means the IRS has reviewed your return’s basic information, checked for any glaring issues, and determined it’s ready for the next phase. Yet, it doesn’t mean the refund will be sent out immediately.
How Long Does It Take for a Refund to Be Approved After Accepted?
Now, here’s the tricky part. While the IRS has processed your return, that doesn’t mean it’s approved for a refund yet. The time it takes to get approval can vary based on a lot of factors.
Generally, after the tax authorities accept your tax return, they can take anywhere from 21 to 60 days to process and approve your refund. But keep in mind that this is an estimate.
Read Also: Will abolishing the plastic-bag tax in Sweden hurt its environmental goals?
I remember last year when I filed my return and the "accepted" status showed up within 48 hours. But then I waited forever for that approval. It’s like they took their sweet time, and I couldn’t figure out why. It turns out I had a slight discrepancy in my filing, which needed a little extra review. So, here’s what could be influencing the time:
Simple returns typically get processed quicker.
If you’re claiming certain credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC), your return could take a little longer. These credits are often flagged for extra verification, especially in the first few weeks of tax season.
Stimulus checks or Economic Impact Payments (EIP) may also slow things down if you’re due for any adjustments. These need to be reconciled in your tax filing, and the IRS will review the payment before finalizing your refund.
When Do We Get Tax Returns 2026?
Okay, so you might be asking, “Well, how long does this take for 2026?” The IRS generally follows the same timeline every year, so whether it’s 2025, 2026, or beyond, you can expect a similar timeframe for the refund process.
In 2026, the IRS will probably start accepting returns as early as January. If you file quickly and there are no issues with your return, you might get your refund as early as mid to late February. If you file later in the season or face issues like audits or extra paperwork, it will likely take longer.
IRS Refund Status: How to Track Your Refund
Once the system accepts your tax return, you’ll be eager to check the status of your refund. Thankfully, the IRS has made this pretty easy. You can use its online tool called “Where’s My Refund?” to get updates on your refund status.
This tool will give you a breakdown of where your return is in the process. You will see three statuses:
Return Received – The IRS has your return, but it’s still being processed.
Refund Approved – They have reviewed your return and approved your refund.
Refund Sent – The check or direct deposit is on its way to you.
Where’s My Refund Phone Number?
If you’re feeling extra impatient (hey, we’ve all been there), and want to talk to someone, the IRS phone number is:
1-800-829-1040 (for individuals).
Be prepared to wait on hold, though. The lines can get pretty busy, especially during tax season.
Common Questions About IRS Refund Status and Approval
1. Is There a Way to Speed Up the Process?
Unfortunately, the IRS isn’t known for speeding things up. Once your return is in its system, there’s not much you can do to make things go faster. File early.
Check your return for accuracy. Steer clear of claims that might lead to a review. For example, don’t change your address or claim complicated credits without supporting documents.
2. What Should I Do if My Refund Is Taking Too Long?
If you’ve been waiting and still don’t have an update, call the IRS or use the Where’s My Refund tool to check. If you don’t get any helpful information and it’s been more than 21 days, it’s worth contacting the IRS to see if they can give you more details about your case.
3. What Happens If I Made a Mistake on My Return?
If there’s a mistake on your return, the IRS will typically flag it and delay your refund. They'll either send you a letter for clarification or correct it themselves. In this case, expect longer delays and be prepared to provide any necessary documents.
My Personal Experience With IRS Refund Status
Over the years, I’ve learned that patience really is key when it comes to dealing with the IRS. One year, I filed early, and the “accepted” status popped up within a few days.
Yet, the refund didn’t get approved for almost a month. It wasn’t until I got the “Refund Approved” status that I realized I’d made a small error on my deductions, which led to a delay.
In the end, the money came through, but it was a lesson in double-checking everything before hitting submit. Tax season isn’t the time for shortcuts.
Key Takeaways
If your tax return was accepted, congrats! You’re one step closer to getting your refund. While it might take anywhere from 21 to 60 days for the IRS to approve and send your refund, it really depends on your situation.
Make sure your return is accurate to avoid delays.
Use the IRS tool, “Where’s My Refund," to track your refund status.
Be patient and keep your contact details updated.
If you’re feeling anxious about your refund status, Remember: you’re not alone. The IRS handles millions of returns every year, so it takes time. Keep an eye on your status, but try not to stress too much. Your refund will come—it might take a little longer than you’d like!
Christina Berglund 
If you filed your taxes and see that your IRS refund status says "accepted," you might be wondering when the IRS will approve your refund. It's that waiting time when many of us check our phones daily. We refresh the IRS website, hoping for news.
I’ve been there too. I’ve filed my taxes many times. Each year has its quirks, but one thing stays the same: patience is key. But that doesn’t mean you should sit back and wait without having some idea of what’s going on behind the scenes. Here’s what you need to know about your tax refund after acceptance:
What happens next
How long it takes
Steps to track it
So, My Tax Return Was Accepted—What Happens Next?
When you file your taxes, there are three major stages your return goes through:
You submit your tax return to the IRS through electronic means or by mail.
Acceptance – The IRS receives and acknowledges your return. This is a good sign! It means they’ve verified it, and you are now officially registered in their system.
Approval and Refund – This is the last step. They approve your refund and send it out, either by direct deposit or check.
If you’ve gotten the “accepted” status, that’s great news. It means the IRS has reviewed your return’s basic information, checked for any glaring issues, and determined it’s ready for the next phase. Yet, it doesn’t mean the refund will be sent out immediately.
How Long Does It Take for a Refund to Be Approved After Accepted?
Now, here’s the tricky part. While the IRS has processed your return, that doesn’t mean it’s approved for a refund yet. The time it takes to get approval can vary based on a lot of factors.
Generally, after the tax authorities accept your tax return, they can take anywhere from 21 to 60 days to process and approve your refund. But keep in mind that this is an estimate.
Read Also: Will abolishing the plastic-bag tax in Sweden hurt its environmental goals?
I remember last year when I filed my return and the "accepted" status showed up within 48 hours. But then I waited forever for that approval. It’s like they took their sweet time, and I couldn’t figure out why. It turns out I had a slight discrepancy in my filing, which needed a little extra review. So, here’s what could be influencing the time:
Simple returns typically get processed quicker.
If you’re claiming certain credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC), your return could take a little longer. These credits are often flagged for extra verification, especially in the first few weeks of tax season.
Stimulus checks or Economic Impact Payments (EIP) may also slow things down if you’re due for any adjustments. These need to be reconciled in your tax filing, and the IRS will review the payment before finalizing your refund.
When Do We Get Tax Returns 2026?
Okay, so you might be asking, “Well, how long does this take for 2026?” The IRS generally follows the same timeline every year, so whether it’s 2025, 2026, or beyond, you can expect a similar timeframe for the refund process.
In 2026, the IRS will probably start accepting returns as early as January. If you file quickly and there are no issues with your return, you might get your refund as early as mid to late February. If you file later in the season or face issues like audits or extra paperwork, it will likely take longer.
IRS Refund Status: How to Track Your Refund
Once the system accepts your tax return, you’ll be eager to check the status of your refund. Thankfully, the IRS has made this pretty easy. You can use its online tool called “Where’s My Refund?” to get updates on your refund status.
This tool will give you a breakdown of where your return is in the process. You will see three statuses:
Return Received – The IRS has your return, but it’s still being processed.
Refund Approved – They have reviewed your return and approved your refund.
Refund Sent – The check or direct deposit is on its way to you.
Where’s My Refund Phone Number?
If you’re feeling extra impatient (hey, we’ve all been there), and want to talk to someone, the IRS phone number is:
1-800-829-1040 (for individuals).
Be prepared to wait on hold, though. The lines can get pretty busy, especially during tax season.
Common Questions About IRS Refund Status and Approval
1. Is There a Way to Speed Up the Process?
Unfortunately, the IRS isn’t known for speeding things up. Once your return is in its system, there’s not much you can do to make things go faster. File early.
Check your return for accuracy. Steer clear of claims that might lead to a review. For example, don’t change your address or claim complicated credits without supporting documents.
2. What Should I Do if My Refund Is Taking Too Long?
If you’ve been waiting and still don’t have an update, call the IRS or use the Where’s My Refund tool to check. If you don’t get any helpful information and it’s been more than 21 days, it’s worth contacting the IRS to see if they can give you more details about your case.
3. What Happens If I Made a Mistake on My Return?
If there’s a mistake on your return, the IRS will typically flag it and delay your refund. They'll either send you a letter for clarification or correct it themselves. In this case, expect longer delays and be prepared to provide any necessary documents.
My Personal Experience With IRS Refund Status
Over the years, I’ve learned that patience really is key when it comes to dealing with the IRS. One year, I filed early, and the “accepted” status popped up within a few days.
Yet, the refund didn’t get approved for almost a month. It wasn’t until I got the “Refund Approved” status that I realized I’d made a small error on my deductions, which led to a delay.
In the end, the money came through, but it was a lesson in double-checking everything before hitting submit. Tax season isn’t the time for shortcuts.
Key Takeaways
If your tax return was accepted, congrats! You’re one step closer to getting your refund. While it might take anywhere from 21 to 60 days for the IRS to approve and send your refund, it really depends on your situation.
Make sure your return is accurate to avoid delays.
Use the IRS tool, “Where’s My Refund," to track your refund status.
Be patient and keep your contact details updated.
If you’re feeling anxious about your refund status, Remember: you’re not alone. The IRS handles millions of returns every year, so it takes time. Keep an eye on your status, but try not to stress too much. Your refund will come—it might take a little longer than you’d like!