When you electronically file a tax return, the return is generally sent to the IRS first, even if you're filing a state-only return.
As part of the filing process, the IRS verifies the taxpayer's Social Security number (SSN) and checks that it matches the first four letters of the last name on the return. If the information matches, the IRS continues processing the federal return and sends back an acknowledgement (ACK).
An acknowledgement can have one of two results:
- Accepted
- Rejected
Only the IRS and state tax agencies can accept or reject a tax return.
After the acknowledgement is received, you'll get an email notification letting you know whether your return was accepted or rejected.
Important: Our tax software does not determine whether a return is accepted or rejected. The IRS and state tax agencies make that decision.
What Happens When a Federal Return Is Accepted?
If the IRS accepts your federal return, it forwards the state return to the appropriate state tax agency for processing.
The state then reviews the return and sends its own acknowledgement. Once that acknowledgement is received, we'll notify you by email whether your state return was accepted or rejected.
Rejected Federal Return
If the Federal return is rejected, then the IRS DOES NOT forward the state return for processing. The taxpayer must resubmit the State return along with the Federal return after making corrections to fix the rejection.