Once you submit your tax information, april sends your return to the IRS and, if applicable, your state tax agency. From there, the tax agencies take over processing.
You’ll get updates when:
Your return is accepted
Your return is rejected
The IRS or state needs more information
You can always check the status of your return in april on your Tax home screen to see if it's been accepted or rejected.
Once your return is accepted, you can download it. See How do I download my return?
Note: april can’t speed up processing or make changes after you submit your return, but we’ll keep you informed about status updates.
What your return status means
Pending
Your return hasn’t been submitted to the IRS or your state yet. This can happen if filing isn’t open yet or if your return is waiting to be sent.
Submitted
Submitted means your return was sent to the IRS and state. Your status will change to Accepted or Rejected after the IRS reviews it.
Accepted
Your federal and/or state returns have been accepted by the tax agencies.
Rejected
There’s an issue with your return that needs to be fixed before it can be accepted. We’ll let you know what needs to be corrected and how to resubmit.
How long does processing take?
Processing times depend on how you filed.
E-filed federal returns: Usually processed within 21 days
Paper-filed returns: Often take 6–8 weeks or longer
Returns may take extra time if they need review or corrections
What if my return is rejected?
If the IRS rejects your return, we’ll tell you:
Why it was rejected
What needs to be fixed
How to resubmit
Most rejections are caused by small issues, like:
Incorrect AGI from last year
A Social Security number not matching the name on file
Missing or incomplete information
Once you fix the issue, you can usually resubmit right away.
For more details, see Why was my return rejected?
What if I owe taxes?
If you owe federal or state taxes and didn’t set up a payment with april while preparing your return, you’ll need to pay directly through:
The IRS website
Your state’s tax agency website
Mail (check or money order)
Interest and penalties may apply if payment is late, even if your return was filed on time.
What if I’m getting a refund?
If you’re due a refund:
Most federal refunds are issued within 21 days after acceptance
Direct deposit is the fastest option
Paper checks take longer
You can track your federal refund using the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool.
Key takeaway
After you submit, your return is reviewed by the IRS and your state—not april. Most e-filed returns are processed within a few weeks, rejections are usually easy to fix, and refunds or payments are handled directly through tax agencies.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, financial, accounting, or other advice. Rules and regulations vary by location and are subject to change, so please consult with an expert if you need advice specific to you.
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