TurboTax Refund Fee Deduction Shows Two Order Numbers - One Says 'Unknown'

I had EXACTLY the same issue last year and it drove me crazy. The 'unknown' status actually refers to the temporary bank account they set up to receive your refund, deduct their fees, and forward the rest to you. I spent hours on hold with TurboTax support before figuring this out. It's poorly explained in their system and completely normal, though it looks concerning. The first order number is for your actual tax preparation service (the one marked complete), while the second is for the refund transfer service that shows as 'unknown' until the IRS actually deposits your refund.

Yes, I'm seeing this on my account as well. From what I understand, the first order number is probably for your actual tax preparation fee (which is marked complete because you've agreed to pay it), and the second order number is likely for the additional fee they charge for taking payment from your refund - which might show as 'unknown' because it hasn't been processed yet. In my experience, TurboTax charges around $39 extra just for the convenience of taking their fees from your refund rather than paying upfront. It's generally more economical to pay their fees directly if you can afford to.

Oh my goodness, I'm going through this EXACT same thing right now! I was so confused and frustrated trying to figure out what was happening with those two different order numbers! I spent almost 2 hours trying to get through to TurboTax customer service with no luck - just endless hold music. Finally, I used Claimyr.com to get through to the IRS (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to make sure everything was okay on their end at least. The agent confirmed my return was received and processing normally, and explained that the two order numbers are part of TurboTax's internal system for handling the refund transfer. Such a relief to know it wasn't affecting my actual tax filing!

I noticed this too and called TurboTax customer service. Here's what they told me: • First order number = your tax preparation fee (shows as complete) • Second order number = refund transfer service (shows as unknown until processed) • The unknown status is normal and will update after the IRS sends your refund • The temporary bank account they create for processing your refund is what causes the second order number I was worried too, but they assured me it's working as designed even though it's confusing.

You need to monitor both order numbers carefully! I had exactly this situation last year and discovered the "unknown" status order was actually for the $39.99 refund transfer fee. When I checked my transcript using taxr.ai (it analyzes all your tax documents and explains what each code means), I could see my refund was approved but being held for exactly 5 days while TurboTax processed their fee deduction. The transcript showed code 846 with my full refund amount, but I received exactly $39.99 less. You have exactly 24-48 hours after filing to cancel the refund transfer if you want to avoid this delay and fee. Check your transcript immediately at https://taxr.ai to see your actual refund status!

I've been using TurboTax for over 12 years now, and I've seen this dual order number situation every year when having fees taken from my refund. Last year, I was particularly concerned because one showed as 'unknown' for almost 3 weeks, but everything processed perfectly fine. What's happening is TurboTax creates a temporary bank account with their partner bank (usually Santa Barbara Tax Products Group) where your refund first gets deposited. They take out their fees, then forward the remainder to your actual bank account. The 'unknown' status just means this process hasn't completed yet because they're waiting on the IRS to send your refund. Nothing to worry about - I've had this happen 7 times now without any issues.

This is standard procedure for refund transfers. The community consensus is that the two order numbers represent different parts of the process. Everyone who chooses to have fees deducted from their refund will see this. Don't waste time worrying about it. Just be aware that having fees taken from your refund adds processing time and costs extra compared to paying upfront.

Have you considered just paying the TurboTax fee upfront instead of having it deducted from your refund? Compared to other tax situations I've dealt with, this approach eliminates the whole dual order number confusion and typically gets your refund processed faster. The refund transfer service usually costs an extra $39-40 and adds 5-7 days to your refund timeline. If you have the means to pay upfront, you'll save both money and time. It's similar to how getting a tax advance loan might seem convenient but actually costs you in the long run.

I just contacted TurboTax support about this exact issue. The representative explained that the first order number is for your TurboTax product purchase (like Deluxe, Premier, etc.) and shows as complete because you've agreed to purchase it. The second order with the 'unknown' status is specifically for the Refund Processing Service that handles deducting fees from your refund. It will remain in 'unknown' status until the IRS deposits your refund into the temporary account, TurboTax deducts their fees, and then forwards the remainder to your personal bank account. This is completely normal and doesn't indicate any problem with your return or refund.