where is my return?

Question

free tax usa shows my tax return has been approved but the IRS website still says pending and it has been over 16 weeks. can't get through to anyone when i call the automated number. where is my return??

CoryF · Answer

Hello Jenkinsoliver2026.

I am sorry to hear that you are just starting your 2024 tax return due to unforeseen circumstances. You can still file your 2024 return, but since E-Filing is unavailable until the start of next year (FreeTaxUSA limitation to organize next year software), you may continue and file your 2024 return by paper or mailing it into the IRS.

You can wait to file the 2024 return by E-File in the beginning of January 2026. However, since this return will technically be a Prior Year return at that point, you will need to get an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) using this website (below). This is required to use FreeTaxUSA E-File for Prior Year tax returns.

https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin

You may also decide to use a competitor software that may have other options to file electronically without the IP PIN between now and the end of 2025 or at the beginning of 2026.

Jenkinsoliver2026 · Answer

What if I was in prison and I am just now filling my tax return

rachels · Answer

Hi payk,

I am sorry to hear that you have not yet received your refund. Please note that there are a few stages in tax return processing:

1. You prepare your return and submit it to the IRS.

2. The IRS accepts the tax return. This means that your tax return has passed the preliminary tests in the IRS's e-file system. If your return gets accepted, then the IRS HAS your return and will process it in due time. This is the step that has been completed for you, and this is the acceptance you are seeing in your FreeTaxUSA account.

3. Your return is processed, and your refund is issued. This step takes a bit longer. After returns are accepted, the IRS typically processes returns and sends refunds in fewer than 21 days. The IRS states, "Many different factors can affect the timing of your refund after we receive your return. Even though we issue most refunds in less than 21 days, it's possible your refund may take longer."

If your return needs any special processing or an actual person to look over the return before the refund is issued, it can delay your refund. Additionally, the government shutdown is resulting in additional delays with refunds. You can read more about that here:

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/statement-on-irs-operations-limited-during-the-lapse-in-appropriations-regular-tax-deadlines-remain

Please check the status of your refund using the IRS's Where's My Refund tool. This should be updated once there is any additional information available about the status of your refund.

https://www.irs.gov/refunds