Understanding IRS "Return Received" Status for EITC/ACTC Tax Return Filed Last Week - PATH Act Delay Explained
Filed my taxes last week and I'm getting anxious about whether the IRS accepted them or not. I checked Where's My Refund but it's showing me a confusing status. When I go to the IRS Where's My Refund page (irs.gov/taxtopics), I see the following status: Refund Status Results Return Received: ✓ Refund Approved: ? Refund Sent: ? There's a message that says "The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act says that if you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, the IRS cannot issue the refund before mid-February. This applies to the entire refund, even the portion not associated with these credits." It also says "You can check the status of your refund on Where's My Refund starting in mid- to late February. The website is updated once a day and is the best way to check the status of your refund." Under "Helpful Information" it shows "Tax Topic 152, Refund Information" and a note saying "For refund information, please continue to check here, or use our free mobile app, IRS2Go. Updates to refund status are made no more than once a day." I claimed EITC and ACTC this year, but I'm still worried whether my return was actually received correctly. The checkmark next to "Return Received" should mean they got it, right? But why does it say to check back in mid-to-late February when it's already past that time? How do I know for sure everything is processing normally and I don't need to take any action?
13 comments
Santiago Diaz
Check your transcript on IRS.gov. Look for code 150 which means your return was processed. You'll also see other codes like 766 and 768 for credits, and 846 when your refund is scheduled.
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Riya Sharma
how do i even read the transcript tho? its like reading hieroglyphics 😭
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Santiago Diaz
lol yeah the codes are confusing at first. Takes time to learn the ropes
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Millie Long
I started using taxr.ai to check my transcripts and it's been a game changer! It costs $4.99 but totally worth it - breaks down all the codes and tells you exactly what's happening with your return. Way better than trying to decode everything yourself. Here's the link: https://taxr.ai
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KaiEsmeralda
Fr? Does it actually explain everything or is it just basic info?
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Millie Long
It gives you super detailed analysis! Shows processing stages, flags potential delays, estimated refund date. Its like having an IRS expert on speed dial 💯
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KaiEsmeralda
Just tried it and OMG where has this been all my life?! Finally understand wtf is going on with my refund 🙌
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Debra Bai
took me 3 months to get accepted last year smh the IRS is so behind
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Gabriel Freeman
Did you file electronically or by mail? E-file usually shows acceptance within 24-48 hrs
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Riya Sharma
e-filed through turbotax
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Laura Lopez
your in the same boat as me bestie 🤡 welcome to IRS purgatory
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Victoria Brown
Make sure you kept copies of everything! Sometimes they lose stuff and you gotta prove you filed
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Riya Sharma
got everything saved in my email thank god
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