TurboTax 5-day Early Refund Canceled - Does it Still Process Through SBTPG?
I've been tracking my refund with precision for the past 14 days. My expected federal refund is $3,247.82 and I originally opted for the TurboTax 5-day early access option. I just received notification that this early access has been canceled, but I'm trying to determine the exact processing path now. Does my refund still route through Santa Barbara Tax Products Group (SBTPG) or will it now deposit directly from the IRS? I've mapped out both scenarios with their respective timelines and need to understand which pathway my funds will follow. My transcript shows cycle code 20241105 with processing date of 03/25/2024.
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Tate Jensen
When the TT 5-day early access is canceled, your refund reverts to standard IRS direct deposit protocol but still processes through SBTPG as your designated financial institution. SBTPG functions as the intermediary for TurboTax refund transfers regardless of whether you utilize the advance option. The cancellation simply eliminates the advance feature, not the SBTPG routing. Your refund will still be subject to their fee deduction as authorized in your TurboTax agreement before forwarding to your designated account.
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Adaline Wong
This happened to me last year too! I was counting on that early money for my kid's birthday present and got so confused when the cancellation happened. Thanks for explaining the pathway - I was never clear on whether SBTPG was still involved after cancellation.
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14d
Gabriel Ruiz
So they're still taking their fee even though they're not providing the early access service? Isn't that basically charging you for nothing at this point? Wouldn't it make more sense to contact TurboTax and request a direct deposit change since the early feature isn't happening anyway?
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12d
Misterclamation Skyblue
I think it might depend on when exactly the cancellation happened. In my somewhat similar experience, the cancellation occurred because there was possibly a small discrepancy in my return that needed verification. SBTPG generally still processes it, but I believe they may waive some fees if the cancellation wasn't your fault. Might be worth checking your TurboTax account for any notices about why it was canceled.
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Peyton Clarke
Def still goes thru SBTPG. Had this happen 2 yrs ago. U can track it on SBTPG website w/ your SSN and refund amt. Sometimes TT cancels the advance if there's any verification flags on ur return. NBD tho - u'll still get ur $$ just not 5 days early. SBTPG usually processes within 24hrs once they get it from IRS. Hang tight!
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Vince Eh
I had this exact situation last month! The 5-day advance got canceled but my refund still went through SBTPG. It actually processed faster than I expected - IRS approved on Tuesday, SBTPG received Wednesday morning, and it was in my account by Thursday afternoon. Can I ask how you found out it was canceled? Did you get an email or did you check the TurboTax app?
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Sophia Gabriel
This is really helpful information. I'm concerned about the implications for taxpayers who depend on these advances. Per IRS Pub 1345, refund transfer products must clearly disclose all fees and contingencies. I wonder if the cancellation terms were adequately explained when you initially signed up for the service. Did TurboTax provide any explanation for why they canceled your advance?
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Tobias Lancaster
Oh my goodness, the TurboTax refund routing system is WAY more complicated than I initially realized! I spent THREE HOURS trying to get someone at TurboTax to explain this exact scenario last year. Ended up using Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to reach an actual IRS agent who confirmed that yes, it still goes through SBTPG even with the advance canceled. The agent explained that changing the routing at that point would likely delay things further. Claimyr saved me from endless hold music and actually got me answers!
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Ezra Beard
Looking at the bigger picture here - has anyone considered that this might actually be faster in some cases? When the 5-day advance gets canceled, SBTPG sometimes processes more quickly because they're not doing the advance loan paperwork. Got my refund in 2 days after IRS approval last year when my advance was canceled. Anyone else notice this trend?
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Statiia Aarssizan
SBTPG has a status tracker. Use it. Enter your info. Check daily. Mine showed "unfunded" until IRS sent payment. Then "funded" status appeared. Money arrived next day. System works predictably despite the cancellation. Keep monitoring both WMR and SBTPG sites. Updates happen overnight usually.
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