Ever found yourself eagerly waiting for your tax refund, only to wonder if that TurboTax Refund Advance you applied for actually went through? You're not alone! The anticipation of getting your hands on that much-needed cash can be exciting, but the uncertainty of whether your application was approved can be a bit nerve-wracking.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to determine if you've been approved for a TurboTax Refund Advance, step-by-step, along with crucial information and helpful tips. Let's get started and put your mind at ease!
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility (Before You Even Check)
Before diving into checking your approval status, it's vital to confirm that you met the basic eligibility requirements for the TurboTax Refund Advance in the first place. This can save you a lot of time and frustration. If you didn't meet these criteria, your application likely wasn't approved.
Sub-heading: Key Eligibility Factors
e-File Your Federal Return with TurboTax: The Refund Advance is specifically for those who electronically file their federal tax return using TurboTax.
Expected Federal Refund Amount: Your anticipated federal refund must typically be $500 or more. The exact minimum can vary, so always check the latest TurboTax terms.
Credit Karma Money™ Checking Account: You generally need to open or have an existing Credit Karma Money™ checking account to receive the funds. This is a crucial requirement.
Residency Restrictions: Certain states might be excluded from the Refund Advance program (e.g., North Carolina, Connecticut, Illinois). Verify if your state is eligible.
No Specific Tax Forms: You might be ineligible if you're filing certain forms like 1310, 4852, 4684, 4868, 1040SS, 1040PR, 1040X, 8888, or 8862.
Not Filing on Behalf of a Deceased Taxpayer: The program is generally not for returns filed for deceased individuals.
Income Reporting: You usually need to report income on a Form W-2, 1099-R, or Schedule C.
No Outstanding Debts/Offsets: If you owe the U.S. Government or your state for things like child support, past student loans, or tax liens, your Refund Advance might be denied as your refund would be offset.
Age Requirement: You must be 18 years or older.
Physical Address: Your tax return must list a valid physical address, not a P.O. Box or prison address.
Sub-heading: Did you select the Refund Advance option during filing?
Remember, you have to actively choose the Refund Advance option when selecting how you want to receive your refund. If you chose "5 Day Early Refund Delivery" or direct deposit to a different bank account, you wouldn't have applied for the Refund Advance. Go back and double-check your refund selection in your TurboTax account if you're unsure.
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| How Do I Know If I Was Approved For Turbotax Refund Advance |
Step 2: Monitor Your Email for Notifications
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This is often the primary way TurboTax and its lending partners communicate your Refund Advance status.
Sub-heading: What to look for in your inbox
Approval Email: If approved, you will receive an email notification from TurboTax or its lending partner (often Pathward®, N.A., or MVB Bank, Inc., depending on the year and program specifics). This email will confirm your approval and the loan amount you've qualified for.
Denial Email: If your application was denied, you will also receive an email explaining the reason for the denial and providing contact information if you have further questions about the decision.
Spam/Junk Folder: Always check your spam or junk mail folders. Important emails, especially those from financial institutions, can sometimes end up there.
Sub-heading: Timing of the emails
These emails typically arrive after the IRS has accepted your e-filed federal tax return. While TurboTax can process your application, the final approval and fund disbursement often hinge on the IRS accepting your return. Many customers report receiving approval within minutes or hours of IRS acceptance.
Step 3: Check Your Credit Karma Money™ Account
Since the Refund Advance funds are typically deposited into a Credit Karma Money™ checking account, this is where you'll see the money if approved.
Sub-heading: Log in to your Credit Karma account
Access your Credit Karma account (either through the Credit Karma app or website) using the credentials you set up.
Navigate to your Credit Karma Money™ checking account balance.
Sub-heading: What to look for in your account
Immediate Deposit: If approved, the loan amount should appear in your Credit Karma Money™ checking account. Many users report seeing the funds deposited within minutes, often within 60 seconds or 15 minutes, of IRS acceptance.
Virtual Debit Card: You might also have access to a virtual Credit Karma Visa® debit card which you can add to your mobile wallet (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay) to start spending immediately. A physical card usually arrives within 7-14 business days.
Step 4: Review Your TurboTax Account Online
QuickTip: Skim the ending to preview key takeaways.
Your TurboTax account itself can provide insights into your filing status and, by extension, your Refund Advance status.
Sub-heading: Sign in to TurboTax
Go to the official TurboTax website and sign in to your account.
Look for sections related to your "Refund Status," "My Account," or "After You File."
Sub-heading: What information can you find there?
While TurboTax primarily shows your e-file status (whether the IRS has received and accepted your return), this is a prerequisite for the Refund Advance. If your e-file is still "Pending" or "Rejected," your Refund Advance cannot be approved.
Some users report seeing updates or links related to their Refund Advance within their TurboTax account, especially if there are issues or further actions required. However, the most definitive approval notification will be via email and the deposit to your Credit Karma Money™ account.
Step 5: Contact Customer Support (If Necessary)
If you've followed all the above steps and are still unsure about your Refund Advance status, it's time to reach out for help.
Sub-heading: Whom to contact
TurboTax Support: For general inquiries about your tax return and the Refund Advance process within TurboTax, contact TurboTax customer support. They can guide you on where to look or escalate your query.
Lending Partner: For specific questions about the loan approval or denial, you might need to contact the lending bank directly (e.g., Pathward®, N.A., or MVB Bank, Inc.). Their contact information is usually provided in the Refund Advance terms and conditions or in denial emails.
Credit Karma Support: If you have issues accessing your Credit Karma Money™ account or seeing the deposit, Credit Karma support can assist you.
Sub-heading: What information to have ready
Have your TurboTax login details, Social Security Number, and the estimated federal refund amount readily available. This will help the support team locate your application quickly.
10 Related FAQ Questions
QuickTip: Focus on one line if it feels important.
Here are 10 common questions about the TurboTax Refund Advance, along with their quick answers:
How to know if I am eligible for a TurboTax Refund Advance? You are generally eligible if you e-file your federal tax return with TurboTax, expect a federal refund of $500 or more, open or have a Credit Karma Money™ checking account, and meet other specific criteria outlined in the program's terms.
How to check the status of my TurboTax e-file? You can check your e-file status by signing into your TurboTax account online. It will show if your return is "Pending," "Accepted," or "Rejected" by the IRS.
How to know when my Refund Advance will be deposited? If approved, your Refund Advance is typically deposited into your Credit Karma Money™ checking account within minutes, often within 60 seconds or 15 minutes, after the IRS accepts your e-filed federal tax return.
How to access my Refund Advance funds once approved? The funds will be deposited into your Credit Karma Money™ checking account. You can access them through a virtual debit card (which can be added to your mobile wallet) immediately, and a physical card will follow in 7-14 days.
How to know if my credit score will be affected by a Refund Advance? No, applying for a TurboTax Refund Advance usually does not impact your credit score. The lender may perform a soft credit inquiry, but this does not affect your score.
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
How to repay the TurboTax Refund Advance loan? The Refund Advance is a loan that is automatically repaid from your federal tax refund once the IRS processes and sends it. You don't need to do anything to repay it directly.
How to find the terms and conditions for the Refund Advance? The terms and conditions for the Refund Advance are provided during the application process within TurboTax and are usually available on the TurboTax website's Refund Advance page.
How to get help if I didn't receive my Refund Advance email? First, check your spam/junk folders. If not there, sign into your TurboTax account to check your e-file status. If accepted and still no email, contact TurboTax customer support.
How to deal with a denied Refund Advance application? If denied, you will receive an email explaining the reason. You can contact the lending bank directly if you have questions about their decision, but your original federal refund will still be processed by the IRS and sent to you via your chosen method.
How to get my actual federal refund after receiving the advance? After the IRS processes your full federal refund, the amount of the Refund Advance loan will be deducted, and the remaining balance of your refund will be deposited into your Credit Karma Money™ checking account (or your chosen direct deposit method if you opted out of the Refund Advance and chose a regular direct deposit).
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