FAQs: Checking the Status of Your Return

Find out how to get updates, correct errors and resubmit your return.

e-File Status:

Revise and Resubmit:

How do I check the e-file status of my tax return?
To check your e-file status:

  1. Login and click on My Account
  2. The e-file status of your return is shown under the Refund Status column
    • Accepted: Your return has been successfully processed and accepted by the IRS
    • Processing: You have successfully submitted your tax return and your return is in process with the IRS/State. A tax return takes approximately 24 to 48 hours to be processed by the IRS. State returns can take five days or more. Until your tax return is Accepted or Rejected, your refund status will be shown as Processing.
    • Rejected: Your return has been rejected. Rejects are common and easily corrected. Click on Rejected under the Refund Status column to determine the reject reason and instructions on how to easily correct and resubmit your return.

How can I prove that I filed my return on time before April 15?  (back to top)
Each e-file submission has a timestamp that clearly identifies the time of submission; that timestamp is sent to the IRS with your data. Your return must be received by us before midnight the day of the filing deadline. If your return is rejected, you have 5 days to revise, resubmit and have the return accepted. As long as your resubmission meets this 5-day deadline, your return will be considered filed on time.

My return status shows that my return is “processing,” but my transaction status shows “approved.” Why is that?  (back to top)
The transaction status indicates the status of your credit card or e-check payment. This is different from your return’s e-file status. A return status of “processing” indicates that your return is being processed and sent to the IRS/state.

My e-file status has not changed for over a week. What should I do?  (back to top)
Typically, you should receive your e-file result within 3 days. If your e-file status is over one week old, your return may be in our internal review due to a unique situation. At this point you may wish to contact our Customer Support. At the beginning of the tax season, please allow a few extra days before contacting us due to the high volume of support requests.

Why haven’t I received the e-file result on my state return?  (back to top)
State returns are usually processed after federal returns are accepted, except for states that use their own transmission system. Your state e-file acknowledgement and result may take several more days to reach us. You will typically receive an e-file result for your federal return within 3 days but the status of your state return may take a few more days.

My e-file was rejected. What do I do?  (back to top)
Click on the red rejected link next to your return on your “My Account” page. A window will pop up with the reason(s) for your rejection. You can then click on each error code for an explanation of each error. Then simply revise your return to correct the mistakes and resubmit.

What are the most common e-file registration errors?  (back to top)

  • Your Self-Select PIN/AGI does not match the IRS’s database. You need to enter the exact amount of the AGI of last year‘s return. If you don’t recall what it is, you will need to contact the IRS to verify the exact amount. Please see our FAQs page titled “Signing Your Return” for more information.
  • Last name, birthday and social security number (SSN) do not match for taxpayer, spouse or dependents. If you believe you have entered the correct information, then you will need to contact the IRS to see what they have on file. If their information is incorrect, you can request correction through the Social Security Administration (SSA), then e-file. You can also e-file using the wrong information, and then request a correction through the SSA after your e-file is accepted.
  • Dependent or taxpayer’s SSN is already used in another return. For example, a divorced spouse may have claimed a dependent in his/her return already. Although the spouse may or may not be entitled to claim the dependent, your e-file will not be accepted. If you still want to claim the dependent, you need to file by paper and let the IRS sort it out.

I filed a federal-state joint return and it was rejected. I resubmitted, but my e-file status only shows a federal submission. What happened?  (back to top)
You might not have chosen to e-file the state return when you checked out. You need to go back to “Step 6: File,” locate your state return, click on “e-file,” then print and submit it as a state-only return.

Do I need to pay again to revise and resubmit?  (back to top)
No, it is free to revise and resubmit your return with eSmart.

I made a mistake on the return I submitted. Can I make changes and e-file again?  (back to top)

  • After you have completed the checkout process and received an order number, you will not be able to make any changes to your return. Just as though you dropped your return into a mailbox, you can't retrieve it to make changes.
  • If the e-file is rejected by the IRS/state for any reason, you can then make any changes you want. If it is accepted, you will need to file an amended return (1040X) if you want to make any changes.

I just e-filed my return a few minutes ago. Can I stop it?  (back to top)
After you have completed the checkout process and received an order number, you will not be able to cancel your return.

My state return was accepted, but my federal return was rejected. It seems I can't change my federal return to resubmit. What happened?  (back to top)
Since the state return has been accepted, it is a sealed record. You will need to prepare another federal return with the correct information. eSmart’s Deluxe, Premium and Signature services offer a “clone” featuring, which replicates your return so you revise and resubmit a federal-only return easily.

My return has been accepted, but I found a mistake. Can I revise and resubmit?  (back to top)
No, once a return is accepted, you cannot make changes. You can file an amended return for federal (1040X) and state. Currently, federal and most state amended returns have to be filed by paper only. For your convenience, eSmart offers online preparation and printing for 1040X amended returns, but it cannot be e-filed; it must be mailed.

I received another W-2 and/or 1099, but I have already submitted my e-file. How can I correct it?  (back to top)
If your e-file has been accepted, you need to file an amended return to include the new information. If the e-file is in processing, you will have to wait for the result, then revise, but only if the return is rejected.

What is an amended return 1040X?  (back to top)
If you have discovered a mistake on your federal return and it was already accepted by the IRS, you will have to amend it by filing a 1040X. These mistakes may include not reporting some income, claiming deductions or credits you shouldn’t have claimed, failing to claim some deductions or credits to which you are entitled, or needing to change your filing status. For more information, visit the IRS’s FAQ section. For more information about amended returns specifically, visit the IRS‘s Amended Returns section.

Can a 1040X amended return be e-filed?  (back to top)
No, currently the IRS does not accept amended returns, form 1040X, electronically. If you use eSmart Deluxe, Premium or Signature, you can “clone” your federal return, make changes, prepare your 1040X, then print and mail it in.

Can I amend my returns from previous years?  (back to top)
Yes, you can file form 1040X within 3 years after the date the original return was filed, or within 2 years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.