How Long Does It Take for the IRS to Accept Your E-File?

Filing taxes electronically is the fastest and most convenient way to submit a return to the IRS. However, after hitting “submit,” many taxpayers wonder how long it takes for the IRS to accept their e-filed return. While the process is usually quick, various factors can affect the timing.

Usual Acceptance Time Frame

The IRS typically processes e-filed returns within 24 to 48 hours. Most taxpayers receive an acceptance notification within one to two days. The IRS uses an automated system to check for basic errors and verify that the return meets initial processing requirements before issuing an acceptance or rejection notice.

During peak tax season—late January and early February when the IRS first begins accepting returns—processing times may be slightly longer due to high submission volumes. The same applies in mid-April as the tax deadline approaches. While most returns are accepted within the standard timeframe, some may take closer to 72 hours if the system experiences heavy traffic.

E-filing is significantly faster than mailing a paper return, which can take weeks just to be received and entered into the system. Once accepted, the return moves to the next stage of processing, where the IRS reviews the information before issuing a refund or requesting additional documentation.

Factors That Can Slow Acceptance

Discrepancies in personal information, such as a mismatch between a Social Security number and the name on the return, can cause delays. The IRS cross-references filings with Social Security Administration records, and any inconsistency can trigger additional verification steps. This is common for individuals who recently changed their name due to marriage or divorce but have not updated their records.

Returns that include Identity Protection PINs (IP PINs) undergo additional scrutiny. These six-digit numbers, issued to victims of identity theft or those who opt into the program, must be entered correctly. Even a minor mistake in this field can result in a hold while the IRS verifies the taxpayer’s identity.

Filing status changes can also slow processing. If a taxpayer switches from “Married Filing Jointly” to “Head of Household” or vice versa, the IRS may take longer to verify eligibility. This is particularly relevant when dependents are claimed, as the IRS ensures they are not listed on multiple returns.

Returns that include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) are subject to additional review under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act. This law requires the IRS to hold refunds for returns claiming these credits until mid-February to prevent fraud. Even if a return is accepted quickly, these claims can introduce processing delays.

Common Rejection Errors

Simple data entry mistakes are a frequent reason for rejection. A transposed digit in an employer’s EIN, a mistyped birth date, or an incorrect prior-year AGI can all result in an immediate rejection. The IRS uses the previous year’s adjusted gross income as a security measure to verify identity, so even a small discrepancy can prevent acceptance.

Issues with employer-reported income can also cause problems. If the wages or tax withholdings entered on a return do not match what an employer reported on a W-2 or 1099, the IRS’s automated system may flag the discrepancy and reject the submission. This is particularly common for freelancers and gig workers who receive multiple 1099 forms, as even a missing decimal point or rounding error can create inconsistencies.

Dependent-related errors frequently lead to rejections. If a child or relative is claimed on multiple returns—whether due to divorced parents or other family members incorrectly listing them—the IRS will automatically reject the second submission. In cases where both parents claim the same child, the IRS follows tie-breaker rules outlined in Publication 501, giving priority to the parent with whom the child lived the longest during the year.

How to Track Submission Status

Once an e-filed return is submitted, taxpayers can monitor its status to ensure it is progressing through the system. The IRS provides real-time updates through its “Where’s My Refund?” tool and the “Check E-File Status” feature available on many tax preparation platforms. These tools indicate whether the return has been received, accepted, or is under further review.

Taxpayers who filed using professional tax preparers or third-party software can also track their submission through their provider’s online dashboard. Many platforms, such as TurboTax and H&R Block, display IRS acceptance notifications and provide estimated timelines for refund issuance. If the IRS has not responded within the expected window, checking these platforms can confirm whether the delay is on the IRS’s end or if there was an issue with the submission itself.

E-filers who opted for direct deposit should also monitor their bank accounts. While IRS processing updates are useful, sometimes the first sign of movement comes from a deposit appearing in a taxpayer’s account before the online status changes. This is particularly relevant for those receiving refunds, as the IRS typically disburses funds within 21 days of acceptance but does not always update the tracking tools immediately.

Next Steps if Your E-file Is Delayed or Rejected

If an e-filed return takes longer than expected to be accepted or has been rejected, identifying the cause and taking corrective action quickly can help prevent further setbacks. The IRS does not provide detailed explanations for delays, but taxpayers can use available tools to check for updates. If a return remains in “pending” status for more than 72 hours, it may be undergoing additional verification, especially if it involves complex deductions or credits. In such cases, waiting a few more days before contacting the IRS is advisable, as calling too soon may not yield any new information.

Correcting a rejected return depends on the specific error code provided by the IRS. Most tax software programs will highlight the issue and guide users through the necessary corrections. If the rejection is due to a mismatched AGI or an incorrect IP PIN, verifying the correct numbers from prior-year tax documents and resubmitting should resolve the issue. For dependents claimed on multiple returns, taxpayers may need to file a paper return and include supporting documentation to substantiate their claim. If a rejection persists after multiple attempts, reaching out to the IRS directly or consulting a tax professional may be necessary to determine the best course of action.