Your refund has been adjusted and was approved

If you want your tax refund quickly, don't ignore letters from the Internal Revenue Service.

Even though Tax Day has passed, letters are common this time of year. They're usually requests for more information relating to your tax return or to verify your identity. If you don't reply, you could be delaying your tax refund for weeks or months, or possibly leaving it unclaimed.

You might also get what's known as an adjustment letter, which gives notice about additional taxes owed or a change in your refund amount. Typically, the adjustment is based on incorrect information that was entered on your tax return.

These letters provide instructions on how to pay any taxes owed and how to dispute your claim if you think the IRS has made an error in their calculations. 

Here are three things to do if you receive an IRS letter or notice.

1. Don't panic

Not all letters from the IRS will be a tax bill or a notification of an audit. In fact, some might contain a check for a tax refund that you weren't expecting, based on an adjustment made by the IRS to your tax return on your behalf.

2. Don't ignore it

If your letter requires a response or other action, take care of it as soon as possible. If you owe money to the IRS, you'll want to deal with it right away to avoid escalating late penalties and interest charges on your bill. And if you don't owe anything, you could be delaying your refund.

If you do receive a bill and you can't afford to pay it, the IRS has a repayment plan that can be gradually paid back in installments. Remember: you won't be sent to jail just because you can't afford to pay your tax bill.

3. Keep the letter 

Your refund has been adjusted and was approved

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Updated for Tax Year 2022 • November 17, 2022 02:19 PM


OVERVIEW

Here's what happens when you press that green button and transmit your tax return. Remember, the fastest way to get your tax refund is to e-file and choose direct deposit.


Your refund has been adjusted and was approved


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Key Takeaways

• When you e-file, it typically takes 24 to 48 hours for the IRS to accept your return.

• Once your return is accepted, you are on the IRS’ refund timetable.

• The IRS typically issues refunds in less than 21 days after your e-filed return is accepted.

• You can use the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool or call the IRS at 800-829-1954 to check on the status of your refund, beginning 24 hours after you e-file. The IRS will provide an actual refund date as soon as your tax return and refund are approved.

"Where's my tax refund?"

Ever wonder what happens between e-filing your tax return and receiving your refund?
Here is what really happens when you press that green button and transmit your tax return.

  • First, we "stamp" the return with an electronic postmark, and then we send it to the government.
  • Then we both wait 24 to 48 hours for the IRS to accept your return.
  • What are they doing? They are checking your personal information to make sure it matches their records.
  • If everything looks good, the IRS accepts your return.

Once you are accepted, you are on the IRS payment timetable. Only the IRS knows the status of processing your tax return, whether you owe taxes or are due a refund. In prior years, the IRS issued more than 9 out of 10 refunds to taxpayers in less than 21 days last year. The same results are expected for 2021.


TurboTax Tip: You can use the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool or call the IRS at 800-829-1954 to check on the status of your refund, beginning 24 hours after you e-file. The IRS will provide an actual refund date as soon as your tax return and refund are approved.


Once you have e-filed your tax return, there are a few ways to check the status of your refund:

  • You can use the online IRS Where’s My Refund? tool (fastest option)
  • Call the IRS at 800-829-1954

The online tool will get you personalized refund information based on the processing of your tax return. They will provide an actual refund date as soon as the IRS processes your tax return and approves your refund. Most refunds will be issued in less than 21 days. You can start checking the status of your refund within 24 hours after you have e-filed your return.

Remember, the fastest way to get your refund is to e-file and choose direct deposit.

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The above article is intended to provide generalized financial information designed to educate a broad segment of the public; it does not give personalized tax, investment, legal, or other business and professional advice. Before taking any action, you should always seek the assistance of a professional who knows your particular situation for advice on taxes, your investments, the law, or any other business and professional matters that affect you and/or your business.

What does it mean if my refund was adjusted?

Adjusted refund amount means the IRS either owes you more money on your return, or you owe more money in taxes. For example, the IRS may use your refund to pay an existing tax debt and issue you a CP 49 notice.

How long does it take to get refund after adjusted?

A Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return can take up to 16 weeks to process once we receive it.