When you receive confirmation that the IRS accepted your return, it means that they have reviewed your return, and it has passed their initial inspection. They verify your personal information and other basic items, like if your dependents have already been claimed by someone else.

Will I get an email when my tax return is approved?

If you provided an email address during the filing process, you should receive an email within 24-48 hours indicating that your return has been received by TaxAct and transmitted to the IRS. Later, you will receive a second e-mail indicating the status of your return (accepted or rejected).

How to confirm that the IRS received my paper mailed tax?

If you did use a tracking service from the post office when you mailed the federal tax return, there is no way to verify that the return was received by the IRS. There is no IRS phone to call to verify that the return was received. The IRS was not processing any mailed paper tax returns for several months due to the pandemic and limited staffing.

What happens when your tax return is accepted by the IRS?

Once your tax return has been accepted, it will remain the same until the IRS sets your direct deposit and check date then moves your tax return status to “Refund Approved.”. The IRS is still only guaranteeing your tax refund within 21 days of “Return Accepted” status.

Do you have to mail your tax return?

If you had to pay taxes and you filed a paper return, your avenues for verifying that your return was received are fewer. If you paid the taxes you owed via check, watch your bank account to see when the check has cleared. You may mail your tax return certified mail, return receipt requested.

Do you get confirmation that your tax return was accepted?

If you file your tax return electronically, either through third-party tax software or the IRS’ Free File system, you will receive electronic confirmation that your tax return has been received and accepted.