Student calculating expenses on a calculator
Student calculating expenses on a calculator

How to Fill Out Form 8863 to Claim Educational Credits

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IRS Form 8863 lets students and families claim valuable education-related tax credits, making higher education more affordable.  

If you’re eligible, you may be able to reduce your federal tax bill or even boost your refund with two key education credits: the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC).  

Find out which credit might apply to your situation, who qualifies, and how to file Form 8863.

What is Form 8863?

Form 8863 lets eligible students and families claim education tax credits to reduce their tax bill and make higher education more affordable. Specifically, you use it to claim:

  • The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). It provides up to $2,500 per student, and can be claimed up to four times per student based on a qualified expense while pursuing a four-year postsecondary degree. Up to $1,000 of this credit is refundable if your tax bill is already reduced to zero. 
  • The Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC). It offers up to $2,000 per tax return for undergraduate, graduate, and professional education, with no limit on the number of years it can be claimed. Unlike the AOTC, the LLC is not refundable, meaning it can lower your tax bill but won’t result in a refund if you owe nothing.  

The next sections break down educational tax credits in detail, including what expenses qualify, how to file Form 8863, and steps to maximize your tax savings.

American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)

The AOTC covers qualified tuition and related expenses for students pursuing a degree or recognized educational credential. Either the student (if not claimed as a dependent) or the parent (if they claim the student as a dependent) can claim the credit. Unlike the LLC, the AOTC can be claimed for each eligible student on a tax return.

Credit breakdown

  • Maximum credit: Up to $2,500 per eligible student 
  • Refundable portion: 40% (up to $1,000) is refundable if your tax bill is reduced to zero. 
  • Qualified expenses: Eligible expenses include tuition, required fees, and course materials required for enrollment. 

Amount spent on eligible education expenses Percentage you can claim Total credit 
The first $2,000 100% $2,000 
The next $2,000 25% $500 

AOTC eligibility requirements

To qualify for the AOTC, either the student or the taxpayer claiming them as a dependent must meet these criteria:

The student must: 

  • Be pursuing a degree or recognized educational credential. 
  • Be enrolled at least half-time in at least one course at an eligible educational institution during the tax year. 
  • Not have earned a four-year degree before the beginning of the tax year. 
  • Not have claimed the AOTC (or the former Hope Credit) for more than four tax years total. 
  • Not have a felony drug conviction by the end of the tax year. 

The taxpayer claiming the credit must have a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $80,000 or less ($160,000 for married couples filing jointly) for full eligibility in the 2024 tax year. The credit is gradually reduced between $80,000 and $90,000 ($160,000–$180,000 for joint filers). 

A student cannot claim the AOTC on their own tax return if they: 

  • Are claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return (however, the taxpayer claiming them may be eligible to claim the credit) 
  • Have completed their first four years of higher education before the beginning of the tax year 
  • Have claimed the AOTC (or the former Hope Credit) for four tax years 
  • Have a felony drug conviction during the tax year 
  • Have a 2024 MAGI of $90,000 or more ($180,000 for married couples filing jointly) 
  • Did not pay qualified education expenses to an eligible institution

Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC)

The LLC helps offset education costs by allowing students or parents to claim 20% of the first $10,000 they spend on tuition and fees—up to a maximum of $2,000 per tax return. 

Unlike the AOTC, the LLC is available for undergraduate, graduate, and professional education and has no limit on the number of years it may be claimed. There is also no minimum enrollment requirement, meaning students can take just one course and still qualify.

Credit breakdown

  • Maximum credit: Up to $2,000 per tax return 
  • Calculation: 20% of qualified education expenses (up to $10,000), which allows a maximum credit of $2,000. 
  • Qualified expenses: Tuition, required fees, and course materials (if purchased directly from the institution as a condition of enrollment). 

Expense limit Percentage claimed Maximum credit 
Up to $10,000 20% $2,000 

Note: The LLC is a nonrefundable credit, meaning it can reduce your tax bill to $0, but it won’t result in a refund beyond that.

LLC eligibility requirements

To qualify for the LLC, you, your dependent, or a third party must pay qualified education expenses related to higher education. 

Beyond that, the student must:   

  • Be enrolled part or full-time at an eligible educational institution 
  • Take courses aimed at gaining or improving job skills or pursuing a degree or recognized educational credential 
  • Be enrolled for at least one course within the tax year 
  • Have a MAGI of $80,000 or less ($160,000 for joint filers) to receive the full credit for the 2024 tax year. The credit phases out between $80,000 and $90,000 ($160,000–$180,000 for joint filers). 

Who does not qualify? The LLC cannot be claimed by: 

  • Anyone claimed as a dependent on another tax return 
  • Taxpayers who file as married filing separately 
  • Those who have already claimed the AOTC for the same student in the same tax year 
  • Students enrolled only in courses that don’t lead to a degree or recognized credential and aren’t meant to acquire or improve job skills
  • Those with a 2024 MAGI of $90,000 or more ($180,000 for joint filers)

Form 8863 qualified expenses

To claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit, expenses must meet the IRS definition of qualified education expenses. Below is a breakdown of what is and isn’t covered so you can identify qualified expenses before proceeding.

Common qualified expenses: 

  • Tuition and mandatory enrollment fees paid to an eligible institution 
  • Required course materials like books, supplies, and equipment needed for courses. The AOTC covers purchases even if they’re made outside the school; the LLC covers only purchases made directly from the school as a condition of enrollment. 
  • Student activity fees, but only if they are required for enrollment or attendance 

Non-qualified expenses:

  • Room and board, even if paid directly to the school 
  • Transportation and travel costs, including parking 
  • Medical expenses and student health insurance premiums 
  • Extracurricular fees, unless mandatory for enrollment 
  • Personal expenses, which include costs for personal items or entertainment

How to file form 8863 and claim education credits

To claim the AOTC or LLC, you must complete Form 8863 and submit it with your tax return. This form helps you calculate and claim your eligible credit based on qualified education expenses paid to an eligible educational institution. 

Before you file: 

  • Obtain Form 1098-T (tuition statement) from your school; it reports your tuition payments and scholarships. Note that it won’t include all qualified education expenses, such as books and required fees paid separately. 
  • Ensure your expenses meet IRS guidelines for qualified education expenses. 
  • Use Form 8863 to calculate your credit and include it with your federal tax return. 

TurboTax can help you handle the complexities of these forms so you can get the most out of your education credits—without the guesswork. Here’s how TurboTax can take the stress out of your tax season: 

  • File with expert support: TurboTax Assisted connects you with tax professionals who can answer questions as you file. 
  • Let the pros handle it: TurboTax Full Service pairs you with a tax expert who will prepare and file your return for you.

366 responses to “How to Fill Out Form 8863 to Claim Educational Credits”

  1. This is so ridiculous that I have not received my taxes yet. First they said they didn’t have my husband on file and that I added my school money in the wrong slot. Ok my fault about the school money, I fix it took it down to the IRS in Downtown Detroit the worker said everything was correct. I check the status and then we had to call the IRS and the worker tell me that they sent a letter on July 7,2015 I get the letter and it is dated for July 14, 2015. So now I have to submit the form 8863 and send a copy of the funds from my school, this is so ridiculous.

  2. Hello! I filed my taxes about two and a half weeks ago and I just received my refund in my bank account today. However, my $1,000 American Opportunity Tax Credit was not included in the refund. I’m rather confused and slightly frustrated by this. Is the credit refunded separately and at a later date?

  3. My Story, I filed my taxes in the first week of February. Got a letter couple weeks later about the education credits. So I sent it in twice, once fax, once certified email. I only got a partial refund of 380, and not for my education credits. I have been calling the IRS the past 2 months about it, and each time the answer is wait 2-3 weeks and call us back. It has been over 4 months and I still do not have my full refund. This is ridiculous.

  4. I filed March 21st. It was accepted March 22nd. I reviewed a letter the 29th that if I haven’t received my refund within 60 days to contact them with the number provided on the letter. I am entirely TOO upset with this process. My expected return date was the 11th of April, but due to this stupid letter, I may not see my refund until the 28th of MAY. I am a student and this tax credit seems too troublesome for its worth if ALL of the students using the 8863 form is getting hit with extended processing times.

    • H&R block was aware of the delays for the education credit, and should have informed their clients. I decided to wait to file my taxes to avoid all the confusion, whatever bill I had or whoever I owed just had to wait

  5. UPDATED INFORMATION!!

    So I just got off the phone with the IRS and I ask how long could this take the rep told me it could take 4-8 weeks counting from march 15th so mid april or the begining of may smh!!!

    I am soooo upset i am not going to even express it..

    • HI, Just to let you and others know, this is what happened to me and I think will be happening to everyone else eventually as this IRS glitch gets cleared out. I filed my taxes on 2/5 and of course got no refund due to delay. On 3/16 I got an IRS letter but I was so busy and in a hurry that forgot to read it! Then on 3/19 I checked on my refund status and saw the deposit would be made on 3/20 and sure enough it was, so I was happy to get the refund. Then I dug up the letter and read that the IRS was asking I send them ONLY my answers for questions 25 & 26 of the 8863 form. ( I too had done my taxes online on H&R block and like many others I saw the answers were indeed checked off.) Since I received the letter first it didn’t make sense that I would get the refund without responding, but I did! So I assumed the IRS somehow discovered that my answers were indeed submitted. I decided to check with the accountant I used last year and he told me I could ignore it now that I got the refund and wait to see if the IRS requests it again or go ahead and respond anyway. He didn’t know why the IRS would request my answers and then pay the refund but he too thought they must have figured out the mistake. He told me not to worry about it. I told him I was now afraid to respond and have the IRS take the refund back and he told me they would not try to withdraw it but would instead send me a bill if the refund or part of it was in error. But he said it was not anything to worry about. He didn’t think it was a big issue to be afraid of the IRS, not responding at this point, and to just wait and see, or go ahead and respond, but that it seemed to be an IRS error. I now agree, given that I’ve discovered that this seems to have been the glitch the IRS had with all who claimed the college credit. Then on 3/22 I received a letter from H&R Block informing me of the issue. So I’m just going to take my accountant’s advice and wait and see if I hear from the IRS again, but I don’t think I will, given that they sent my refund and its now obvious the error was theirs. I too was informed by the letter that the refund would take 4-8 weeks, but it came a week later. So there’s hope you might be getting yours sooner.

    • I filed on January 26th, IRS accepted on February 14th. I also received an email on March 15th saying it will take an additional 4-6 weeks. I filed in-store at H&R block. So I’m in the same boat. VERY frustrating!

    • UPDATED INFORMATION!!

      So I just got off the phone with the IRS and I ask how long could this take the rep told me it could take 4-8 weeks counting from march 15th so mid april or the begining of may smh!!!

  6. I filed my taxes through H&R Block on 1/21/13, I was accepted 1/30/13. I checked for updates through the month of February on WMR. After several weeks with no update I contacted HR block reps – 3 who told me refund was processing fine, there were no errors and to expect my refund on 2/21 which never happened. I reached out to the IRS who informed me that I was in error resolution and to wait on a letter. I received the letter 3/4 and was informed that lines 25 & 26 on my form 8863 was not populated. I checked back on the HR block at my PDF which shows that it was filled out. I find out later by speaking to another IRS rep that this is a huge issue this year w/ HR block they did not populate the No answer for 25 &26 which caused an error and the delays. It is going to take 6-8 weeks from the point they receive my corrected form 8863 to receive my refund. I have since spoken to 3 HR block representatives in their escalation center who still will not address or acknowledge that this is an HR block error and refuse to accept responsibility even though this is now in the major news. H&R block is negligent for not responding to their clients earlier on to let them know that they could be affected by these delays , they did not make an action to correct these issues until after 2/22 which was after the IRS started processing the form 8863 on 2/14. H&R blocks software error has affected so many people from receiving their hard earned money AND it is causing delays for applying for 2013 FAFSA. This is not right and HR block should be held responsible. Innocent people are being affected due to their misguidance and negligence. Pleas sign this petition if you agree!

    http://wh.gov/ocWE

    • I filed with H&R Block on 01/25/2013 and my return was accepted on 02/14/2013. I contacted the IRS last night and they reviewed my return and told me that I would not receive a letter. When I checked WMR this morning my return was approved and scheduled for 03/18/2013. Hopefully, they are getting everything corrected.

    • The same thing happened to me, give or take. I never received a letter stating 8863 was not completed. They had just processed my return after 4 weeks and reduced my refund. When I spoke with the IRS, and being told it was my fault and I was deducting too much and where did I get my information from, and crash coursed myself on these forms, 8863 especially, she finally said oh yes, 25 &26 were not answered. I was bounced back and forth from H&R to IRS, told to do an amendment because that was “all that could be done”. I gave it one more shot with the IRS and whoever the angel was on the line, she said yes those questions are not answered, what are the correct answers, fixed it on their end, and bam… told me 1-3 weeks for a check since they cannot direct deposit twice. I would push, and this goes for everyone having this problem, to get the IRS to simply fix it on their end and save themselves time and money, but more importantly, getting it corrected faster on your end. I am still waiting on mine, so I can’t say it’s all said and done, but I finally got some results. Good luck to all!

  7. I filed with H & R BLOCK feb 4th the irs accpeted my retun on the 15th… and still nothing has happend the staus is the same.. I called today and the IRS said they are sending me a 8863 Form and I have to send it back has anyone fiilled out this form because it dosent sound like it??? or does you tax preparer send it out im confused PLEASE HELP!

    • I did mine with H&R Block and the form was completed in my return. However, the IRS kept kicking it back as error. It finally went through but now over 21 days. I called and they said it can take an additional 2 weeks.

    • I am getting the same thing. I just called the IRS and they told me I would be getting a notice… Have you recieved yours yet?

      • i called them last week they told me the same thing… what questions are on the notice and they wont even tell me. nothing about i dont owe anything so i dont know whats the hold up!

    • Same here… IRS stated that LOTS of tax prep people had submited the 2012 version of the form…have to fill it out and return the new version could be a 4 week delay…Call HR block and scream like i did and get your fees waived

      • I called HR block and screamed several times. Even threatened to take them to small claims court to get my fees credited back. They still keep saying it wasn’t there fault and they dont care.

      • I tried calling H&R Block to get my fees waved as well.. They said “It’s not our fault” so when I explained to them how it was and how everyone knows it is.. they still said “You’re not getting your money back” and hung up. Nice people. Still no refund and it’s been over 2 months since I filed, 6 weeks since I’ve been accepted.

    • I received the IRS notice on Saturday 3.09.13 stating that lines 25 & 26 were not checked. When I looked at my copy of form 8863, they were checked. I called H&R Block & they knew all about this & the millions of taxpayers whom this effects. The form was completed correctly but the IRS new software interface, didn’t read the check marks. I have been waiting since JAN 16th for my refund. Anyways, H&R Block was notified by the IRS about this error & all of our returns have been resubmitted & we are to ignore the letter. I am going to call the IRS today to confirm all of this information. I am still upset that H&R Block knew this weeks ago & didn’t email me about this problem. If you call H&R block, give them the letter reference & they already have a copy of it from the IRS & can give you further instructions. H&R Block told me not to submit by fax a new copy of Form 8863 as it has been cleared up for everyone effected. They even read the letter from the IRS to me to confirm.

      • I had the exact same issue and H&R block told me as well to just ignore the letter – but this is not correct. I listened to IRS, printed out the entire 8863 form and refilled it out and faxed to the fax number on the letter. I did this on Friday, March 8. My correspondance was received the same day and my return was put back into regular processing by Monday, March 11. I now have a deposit date for March 20. If you ignore this letter and the 20 days pass, you could lose your education credit. I would not listen to H & R block and I would take matters into my own hands and fax in the form, Just a suggestion. The IRS told me you have to respond. I don’t know why H & R Block is saying not to respond but I have definitely decided not to use them again.

    • I called the IRS yesterday and pretty much got the same information but they stated to allow an additional 4 weeks.

    • I filed with h&r block as well ….my refund was accepted on Feb 15….but due to error because of the 8863, my refund was delayed..Now they told me that i have to wait additional 21 days, which i am definitely unwilling to accept. i have contacted the IRS, than i have contatcted the TAx Advocate, who is supposed to help speed up the process of getting my money back, and I have also contacted the congressman in my state who then send a request for my case to be processed faster… I would suggest everyone to try this… The problem is i really need my money …have bills that are due tomorrow and was really couting on my refund….which doen’t seem to be comming soon.
      Last year…because of an error on my address and numerous calls to the IRS and congressman…it took the IRS 6 months to fix this simple issue …..I AM NOT LETTING THIS HAPPEN AGAIN!!!!!!!
      One thing that bugs me the most is when we owe them money ….they take it so fast…no questions asked ….and we have to meet the deadline or there are penalties….What HAPPENED TO OUR DEADLINE, WHY CAN’T WE PENALIZE THEM FOR NOT PAYING IN TIME !!!!???????

  8. I also am one of the earlier filets and on Saturday the IRS site updated stating my DD date was scheduled for 2/26/2013… ALL SMILES 🙂

  9. Okay, so I was one of the early filers who filed on Jan. 14 with Form-8863 and got accepted on Jan. 24. After calling the IRS several times this week and hearing different things from different agents, the last agent I spoke to yesterday let me know that my refund had been approved and the direct deposit date was Feb. 27. I had been told by previous agents that my return got accepted on the 20th of February, then the 19th of February. Finally, the last agent I spoke to on Feb. 22 at the end of the day told me that my return had been accepted on Jan. 24, but did not go through for processing until Feb. 14 due to Form-8863 and my direct deposit date is Feb. 27. Also, the agent let me know that he will inform his manager that “Where’s my Refund” had not given me the updated information. Today, “Where’s my Refund” also states that my direct deposit date is Feb. 27. It almost seems as if you have to call the IRS to get your return moving! The number I kept calling was 1-800-829-0582 ext. 462. I will definitely let you guys know if and when I actually see my refund in my account so that you can also have a good idea about when you can expect your own refund. It has been a stressful month and I thank everyone who was considerate enough to share their information with the rest us us! Good luck to everyone who have yet to get a direct deposit date, I am sure it is coming soon!

    • im calling them now I filed the 21st of jan accepted the 14th of feb still saying processing on wmr. people that filed and got accepted after me are getting returns getting a little be ridiclious I hope i dont get someone who is all snotty….seems like the IRS has forgotten who pays there wages!

      • Jeremiah
        Did you talk to anyone at IRS? I called last night and was told it is being processed. I filed on 01-26 I was told to be patient that it is still being processed. I think I have been patient !!!

      • I had the education credit and was accepted on the 14th. Mine was deposited into the bank that turbo tax uses and it was short. I called the irs and they said it should have not been short. It was short $469 less than what wmr said. Has anyone else had this problem? Irs said its between me and the third party…

      • Mine was accepted on 2-14 I filed on 1-26. I still am showing processing and was told last evening by IRS it is being processed. So I won’t know if mine is not the amt I am getting ntil I recv. my my refnd. Did yo get a email from the bank letting yo know it was recv’d?

  10. Update: I filed on Jan. 19th and was accepted on the 25th but had to wait til feb 14th b/c of education credits.. I just checked on WMR and finally it shows that I have a DDD od Feb. 27th!!! YAY this has just been to long and so crazy this year!!

    • I was accepted on the 24th of January, had to wait til the 14th for processing, and now my update through WMR finally gives me the Approved and a DD of Feb. 27th as well. This surely has been a kick in the behind for those of us who tried to get a head start on this years tax season. I just thank God I finally have a DD date!!!!

  11. I filed on Jan 30th, accepted on Feb 14th (due to form 8863) and just received notice on WMR that my refund was approved and will be sent to my bank account on Feb 27th….

  12. ok so now mine posted a tax topic? I click on it and it says to different options on getting your money? Thought this was already done when i filed?

  13. I filled early got accepted on Jan 25 n the irs website is still saying processing I don’t have the orange bars anymore either I have an education credit

      • Hi I was just worrying how did you get your date because mine was accepted on the 26th and accepted again on the 14th and mines still stated your refund is being processed…

      • So, I filed on Jan. 19th and was accepted on 1/25 and it couldn’t process until 2/14, but I still get the same message of they are still processing and a date will be provided when available, but no refund direct deposit date. So how in the world are you getting a deposit date now and I filed and was accepted before you did yours? I just don’t understand this…

      • It doesn’t matter if you filed earlier than someone else. Everyone that had this form got accepted the same day. I did find that most people that used this form this year errored and are now likely to have to wait an addition 6 weeks until it all gets sorted out. I got accepted the same day as everyone else, 2-14-13, I did get an approval message on WMR that I have a DD of 2-25-13

    • yeah good luck to everyone ,,I talked to the IRS today and people who filed like me or most of them got errored and put on suspend 45 days from Jan 30th! I was accepted on 1/26/13 ..I guess so much for filing before Feb again!

    • I filed my taxes 1/21 with education credits and was notified by tt that I was accepted on 1/28. Still no DD date and now my bars are missing from the IRS site just states DD date will be provided when avaliable. I was able to speak with a rep yesterday at the IRS (877)829-1040 advised me to disregard acceptance of 1/28 and must start my 21 days from the 14th of Feburary. My co worker however received a DD date this morning of 2/25/13

    • No I efiled on the 16th of Jan and it was accepted on the 24th of Jan but couldnt be processed til the 14th of Feb due to educational credits and is still processing and this is very frustrating

    • Ok I have an update for you, I just got off the phone with IRS, I was told even though they say processing of forms 8863 began on 2/14, it actually has not. I was told to wait 21 days from the 2/14 to receive refund. The representative also said to count the weekends in this 21 day count. Finally she told me that DD are made everyday of the week now except on weekends. I hope this helps it helped give me an idea of what to expect.

    • If this helps i was given a date of the 25th but yesterday (saturday 23rd) i recieved my refund DD into my account. Great news except it was off by about 100.00 . Not sure why. Anyone else get theres yet? Was the amount off?

      • I filed on 1/25/13 and got excepted on 2/7/13 and it was approved in 2/22/13 and will be deposited into my account on 2/27/13 I was getting stressed out waiting so long but it finally got the results on my Taxes

  14. I filed early but wasn’t accepteduntil feb 14th due to form 8863 delay. Still in processing status. Has anyone that filed that day recieved a dd date?

  15. I wasn’t an early filer. I filed on the 2nd of February and like others, my return was delayed until the 14th because of the 8863 form. I received confirmation that my return has been approved and is scheduled to be deposited on the 25th.

  16. I was an early filer. Mine return was accepted on Jan 25th. I dont have the orange bars anymore, I just get a message saying They are still processing me return and a refund date will be provided when available. What is going on? its been like this for 2 weeks?! Any updates on this crap? I know I will never claim it again!

  17. I think there is a glitch in the Turbotax software. It is not allowing me to take the American Opportunity Tax Credit. It says that I have already taken it for 4 years and am not eligible, even though in an earlier screen I indicated that I had only taken it for 2 years. Can anyone else help with this? This same question was posted on the Forum but no answer was provided. Help please!

    • Hi Faith – You likely need to go back to your answers in the step-by-step interview. That part part of the program simply pulls from the answers you provide. Hope that helps! –Christopher

  18. I filed on the 31st of January with form 1098 for student loan payments and here it is the 17th and mine still says the irs isnt ready to process it yet. My husband was told on the 14th that the irs had 72 hours to either reject or accept our return and here it is the 17th. Lets see what happens before midnight. Has anyone else heard this?

      • I couldnt file until the 31st anyways but even today it still says “pending” on the TT website. But when i go to the irs website it says i have to wait 24 hours after i receive the acknowledgement that they have received it. This is so frustrating!!!

      • The best time to check is early in the morning at 7am eastern time. After the IRS site gets so many people checking, the site gets overwhelmed and shuts down saying to wait 24 hours after you receive an email.

      • This is what it says:
        2012 Federal Personal

        TurboTax Electronic Postmark: January 31, 2013 04:41 PM PST

        Status: Pending

        What this means:
        It takes the IRS about 24 to 48 hours to process efiled returns. During that time, they are considered “pending.”

        Next step:
        Come back here later (we suggest waiting 24 hours), or check your email. We’ll notify you as soon as your return has been accepted.

      • has anyone return on wmr went from received to accepted?? Or has anyone received their returns yet who had form 8863?

    • I found this as well:

      IRS Starts Processing Returns With Form 8863

      Updated: 2/15/2013

      Article ID: GEN83271

      UPDATE: February 14, 2013

      On February 14th, the IRS began processing returns that include Form 8863.

      Please be aware that your return will remain in “Pending” status for another 24-72 hours after February 14, as the IRS works through the backlog of stockpiled returns. Also, if your federal return is being held, your state return may also be delayed. Some state tax authorities require that the federal return is accepted before they can start processing.

      Note: Don’t worry if your tax return includes these education credits and has already been accepted by the IRS. You don’t need to do anything on your end. We will communicate with you directly to let you know when we are transmitting your return to the IRS. Once your return has been accepted by the IRS, you can expect to receive your refund in 21 days or less.

      But is this “business” hours or “Actual hours”

  19. This stuff is crazy I filed on the 31st, mine was sent back so I had to send it back through on the 14th and it was accepted the same day I’m just waiting on my DD date. Does thee WMR update on the weekends?

  20. I FINALLY GOT SOME ANSWERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I filed on the 17th of Jan and was accepted on the 24th. I’ve been stuck in limbo for what seems like forever, so I decided to try and find something out.

    So I called and called and called and finally got through just to wait on hold for over 20 minutes. But then I spoke to a really nice lady who told me some much needed info.

    She said that NO ONE who was accepted early was actually processed early, so those of us who thought we would get our DD early because we were part of the test batch were very wrong. She said that EVERYONE who’s return was ACCEPTED on or before 1/30 should have a DD date of 2/20 or earlier.

    I told her that I was part of the group that had their returns held for processing until the 14th because of the education credit, and she told me that they go based on the date of ACCEPTANCE, so everyone’s date of acceptance will be AT LEAST the 30th. NO EARLIER.

    SO she said they have up to 21 days to release the refunds from the day of ACCEPTANCE, and everyone who was ACCEPTED on or BEFORE 1/30 is considered accepted on the 30th and has an estimated DD date of 2/20. She said the best thing to do is to just add 21 days to the date your return was accepted and that is your projected DD date. She said it could always come sooner, but that should be the latest it would get there.

    She also said that the WMR site is so overwhelmed with everyone checking it multiple times a day, and calling constantly, that it has actually crashed a few times. She told me the site gets updated ONCE A DAY overnight (between 3am-6am EST) so as long as you check it AFTER 6am EST you will have the most updated info and there is NO NEED to continue to check it. It will only be updated that ONE TIME per day.

    She also told me they are doing DD every day and that the DD happen at 2pm EST and at midnight EST. She said those are the ONLY 2 times that DD go out.

    That’s all I know for now. She told me mine is still processing, so no news on that front. But at least I have a date to start looking for now. She said if I don’t get my money on the 20th, THEN I can call and find out what the hold up is. SO now I can patiently wait. I know what to check and when to check it, so now I feel bet

      • Mine was accepted also on the 25th of Jan. and had the form 8863, but I still am waiting on a date to be provided when available according to the IRS WMR page and when I called the IRS and talked to someone, she said it might be from now until the 1st week into March. So I don’t see how some people are getting a DDD when they were accepted the same as I did or even after me?? I don’t understand this big mess to start with…

    • Well, my return was accepted jan 28th, and as of February 21st, my ‘Where’s my Refund status still says your return is being processed, and a refund date will be provided when available’ ABSOLUTE Garbage, this government and all it stands for now, lies & deceit to try and overcome all their problems, at the expense of hardworking individuals. I am SOOOO happy to have moved to Kuwait, and working TAX-Free!! No more of this B.S. for the foreseeable future!

  21. I filed and was acceptd on Jan. 25th and its been in que until Feb. 14th b/c of education credit. My status now says that my return is still being processed and a date will be provided when available. No more status bar at the top. IRS said that anything that was accepted in Jan with education credits should be the 1st ones to process. Does anyone know how long this is going to take? Turbotax is showing that I should have it by Feb. 19th since the date it was accepted but I don’t see this is going to happen. Has anyone else received their taxes yet that has education credits on it?

    • I filed on1/26 was told this moring by a lady at IRS I should reveive my refund nezt wk if not sooner. On WMR never showed anything but received until sat I checked it again said no info on my refund status gave a number and ezt to call I called this morni.g talked to a lady she said I should have it next wk if not sooner I was shocked thay they were openon a holiday

  22. Regardless of where you go to file your returns, its going to be the same thing people. Give turbo tax a break, its not their fault the IRS wasn’t ready for our returns. All this complaining is wasted time. Please post some good news on here and get over it. Complain to the IRS if anything. At least ours was accepted yesterday instead of the first week of March.

  23. my husband recieved his refund 11 days after he filed and it was accepted he recieved his wmr date 3 or days before he recieved the refund. dont panic.

  24. I filed my return with Turbotax on Feb 4th and received the notice that due to the 8863 education credit my return would be placed on hold…Well as of today (Feb 14) the IRS “wheres my refund” indicates that the return has been received and accepted and that my refund should be direct deposited into my account within 21 days…Woo Hoo!

  25. @ TT – since today is the 14th does this mean that you will automatically send my tax return on to the IRS (originally sent in 2/1/13) now? I have not received any additional email for status updates and it still says pending when I log in. Thank you.

      • Luch, I filed on the 26 of Jan, I received a email from Turbo Tax this afternoon that mine was accepted by IRS.

      • I recieved an e-mail from H&R block today FINALLY that the IRS has accepted my refund. But no new news on the irs.gov website or my state tax for that matter. I called H&R Block and the rude lady that answered said again to expect my check in about 21 days from today! What the crap? Another 3 effing weeks? I’m fed up to my eyeballs with this dragging along. Enough is enough!

  26. FYI FOR ALL 8863 FILERS….
    I have been reading that many 8863 filers who were accepted early and been in processing hell since are now starting to become accepted by wmr. Just take a look over at igotmyrefund.com

      • I got a question for everyone. Has anybody with Form 8863 seen a change in their status? Has anybody with Form 8863 received a direct deposit date? Just curious to see what was happening…

      • Paul on 2/14 mine.was accepted. According to TT I went to WMR it said accepted up until this past Saturday. Said received 2/1 then we can not.provide any I.o about your refund allow 4.weeks if.you.return was mailed Read the following.on related tax situation TaxTopic 152. It.only.contain had nf about direct deposit. Said to call IRS gave a number and extension and reference number. Not thinking about a holiday I called got a person she said not to worry and.ck baxk on WMR daily my refund ahould.be in my account.in next week

        Maybe sooner. Being a holiday I was ahocked to get through. Hope this helps ill post.when.I get new info

      • Hey Everybody,
        I have a question for all. Has anybody received a refund this year and when you check your WMR status it still says being processed? Just wondering bout that.
        Thanks,
        Paul

  27. I got am email from Turbo Tax this morning stating my tax return is now able to be processed as of today. I checked WMR and still shows “your tax return is being processed, a refund date will be provided when available” My return was accepted by the IRS on 1/25. I have had that same message now since Monday.

    • Hi Mel,

      I am in the exact same position as you. Same date for being accepted and same information back from the IRS. I have been trying to get a answer but all I get from TT is that no returns were accepted 1/30 (I have written proof from TT in a email) and that IRS says none were started until January 30. Any other information I find I will put on here.

      Paul

      • i have a question Pau 2/15 received email fr TT my return was accepted by irs. on monday at wmr it showed accepted as all week up until toda( Sunday ) morning it states at WMR Refund status we cannot provide any info on your return talks about 4 wk from the time you mailed you returns and read the following related to your tax situation Tax Topic 152 Refund info gave a ref number and phone number to call to get info and tax topic info about 3 options you.have to receive a repund and you can deposit it in up to 3 accounts. what do ypu make of this?

      • I filed on 1-26, it was accepted by IRS, WMR is is showing for two days as Return Received. Noting about being approved or a date of deposit.

    • Nope, no updated status as of yet. Accepted 1/26, wmr still says “we have received your refund and it is being processed” and should have your refund within 21 days…blah, blah…i received an email from turbotax stating the we can check wmr after 24hours (tomorrow 2/15). Hopefully, it will give us an update, but I wouldn’t count on it.

  28. A little disappointed this morning to wake up and not have any notification from TT that our return has even been sent yet. When will TT make the transfer of the returns their holding to the IRS?

  29. TT has no control over this, it all has to do with the IRS. I filled my taxes on TT on 1/20 and was accepted 1/22. I look the status and now it has change to being process waiting on return date. The sonnest i think your goign to get it will be friday if you have filled early.

  30. Funny thing is a friend of mine sent her info to a lady that new this month she will not be getting her money cause of the 8863 form and didnt put it through so she got her refund already knowing it will not go through.

  31. Hopefully tomorrow, we will have some answers. My return was also accepted by the IRS on 1/25 and WMR also changed to say we will give you a deposit date as soon as possible. Before the 12th, it said it was being processed and expect the return no later than 21 days after it was accepted.

    • It’s really turbo tax fault this is the government. Turbo tax is finding out things they same we are they don’t have a special insight. No one with form 8863 has gotten there money. It’s should’ve tested the forms long before they did.

  32. Has this happen to anyone the irs accepted my tax return on 1/25/13. It has shown processing on wmr up until today (2/12/13) when I checked wmr it said there was no information available on my tax return.

  33. Hello you guys may want to make sure that on the 14th you don’t have to go back and re-submit your federal. Mines was filed on the 31st and my tax lady told be that they have to go back in and resubmit them.

    I would just ask to be on the safe side so yours isn’t just sitting and you are waiting.

  34. Just wanted to let everyone know that I filed my taxes with H&R Block on January 27th. I claimed the Lifetime Learning credits. My return still has not been accepted. H&R Block says Mid-Feb to March. That is all I know, Also H&R Block no longer does Rapid Refunds. Only Emerald Line advance line of credit for which you must first pass a credit check,

  35. I know a tax preparer at H&R Block and although they did not know the exact date in which the 8863 form would be available they were aware that the IRS would be delayed in processing these returns since they opened their doors. This should be common knowledge for anyone preparing a tax return.

  36. So I just checked WMR and my status changed where it says as soon as a date is available for your deposit we will provide one for you. I hope this means I will receive and date tomorrow since it only update at night.

  37. I have patiently waited, because for me it was worth the wait! I ended up being quoted an additional almost $1,000 in credit. Ya’ll are crazy getting so upset.

    • We are upset because it should not take 6 effing weeks to get a return by e-file! So yes, I’m GD upset about it! I have a little over $8500 coming to us. We have 2 children in daycare and my wife is going to college to finish up her PHD degree. She has her Masters already, but college is killing us in expenses! It’s all big sham! ALL OF IT!

      • Hi
        My tax lady told me when she refiles mine on the 14 it will process like everyone else’s. I don’t think it will be that long everyone I know is getting it back in about 5 days with DD.

      • Many people like me sent our returns in early. Mine was sent to TT on 1/12 and they sent it to the IRS on 1/24 and it was approved on 1/25. According to what I was told by the IRS and TT is that people like me who has their return accepted (means that it is at the IRS and not being held by TT) we with accepted ones do not have to refile again. The IRS is suppose to process that ones like mine that were sent in during the test. I looked forward to the 14th and getting this tax year over with.

      • Paul, did the IRS say that you return was all complete and approved and all they had to do was process the refund on the 14th or do they have to go through and review the whole return paper before processing the refund?

  38. So basically, from what I am reading, our returns have already been processed, all but the Form 8863 that is. Am I correct in understanding that once Feb. 14th hits, all they will have to do is process that one portion of the return? Then as mentioned the “average” wait time will be 1 week, but they can take up to 3 weeks if they want.
    If all this is true, since my return was accepted Jan. 26th, I should have my return by Feb. 21st correct????

    • No Lori, I just got off the phone with the local H&R Block office and they told me to expect it 21 days after Feb. 14th. So I wouldn’t get too excited about it. It sucks that we were screwed on this from the get go. It’s all a sham and the Gov’t is making $$$ of all of the interest the longer they hold it. So I’m looking at March 8th before I recieve any sure word on when we’ll get OUR money.

      • Yeah and I have to amend mine, it will be here for Christmas lol

        From my HTC Sensation 4G on T-Mobile. The first nationwide 4G network

      • I talked to the IRS today. They told me that any returns submitted before 1/30 and accepted would be processed first. The 21 days would be from 1/30 on and not from the day the return was accepted. My return was accepted on 1/25. She told me to count my 21 days starting on 1/30. The only sad thing is that all the returns that were held with tax preparers are new and their 21 days start then. I also heard that once they start the processing of returns with 8863 it should go pretty fast. All we need to do is be positive, pray, and know that eventually we will all have our refunds.

    • No Lori, you will get your refund 21 days after Feb. 14th. That is what I was told direct from the horse’s mouth this morning. It sux balls doesn’t it? I have 3 small kids to feed and daycare expense is getting out of hand. 2 kids in daycare is costing us $800 skins a month! $100 per child per week! Me and my wife count on this refund to help us through the year! But the IRS and tax prep companies could not care less about us little people! They already have our money! What gives?

  39. Why if we have to wait until feb 14 with turbo tax but people who used h&r , & (had education credit) have already gotten their refund?? Can turbotax answer that question? Pleaae thank you!

    • First off…TT will answer with the same ol’ bull that “its not them” Its the irs” etc etc….then when you question more they will just disappear. Second…a friend that went to the same school for the same period as me and paid all the same dues and filed the same way as me already has his return. This WILL be the last time we all should use TT!. TT told us all a week ago that we could not get the forms back from them to leave the credit out because the irs already has them, but then the other day the email stated that ” on the 14th TT will be transmitting them to the irs for processing” . hmm thought they had them already? I questioned that on this forum and surprise surprise…no response!

      • Hi David,
        Once you hit the e-file button we cannot go back in and tell the system that you don’t want your tax return submitted. Even though the IRS could not accept certain forms and your tax return is on hold it once you hit the e-file button the IRS still considers the information as submitted. We can not go back in and change that. Plus leaving that form out and amending is a bad option. You will get your full refund shortly instead of waiting for an amended tax return to be processed which can take 8 – 12 weeks.
        Thank you,
        Lisa Greene-Lewis

    • Hi Amy,

      I know someone who uses H & R block and they usually give your refund the same day as you file with as they front the refund. Turbo Tax does not do that, and I am glad they don’t.

      • Melanie,

        You might want to research what you say before passing it around especially this year. You said “I know someone who uses H & R block and they usually give your refund the same day as you file with as they front the refund” and you are wrong. The only way that HR Block will give you money ahead of time is if you take out a loan on the anticipated but not received yet loan. And they charge people ridiculous rates for this.

      • Honestly Paul I said a friend of mine told me which means that is all I know, and I personally don’t have time to research H&R block. I don’t file with them for a reason. If others want to know more then they can do the research.

      • That’s bull Melanie! H&R block does not offer the same day refund anymore. They don’t even offer the 3 day rapid refund anymore. It’s all a sham to keep your money as long as they can! This country is going to hell in a hand basket! So don’t believe that dud that said they received their money the same day at H&R Block. They are full of horse manure!

  40. I filed with TT on 1/10, accepted 1/25 then received the email about the 8863 delay. While frustrated I gave up on being mad. We wait regardless. But since I was an early filer and WMR says its being processed, does that mean mi e will be one of the first to go through on the 14th? After hearing everyone else on these forums I refused to call and deal with the IRS

  41. Melanie,
    Thanks for your detailed response, I appreciate it. It’s so frustrating that others are able to get a date of direct deposit and we’re all just stuck in limbo. I know it’s not Turbo Tax fault this happened, but some of us paid fees to have our return completed. We are paying customers and Turbo Tax should be more responsive to our questions and concerns. I noticed the only time someone from Turbo Tax comes into the conversation, it is only to say “this is not our fault and here is the proof”. All Turbo Tax wants is to be “in the clear” and they really don’t care now that they’ve already been paid for their services. Good luck to you and everyone else still waiting, hopefully we won’t be waiting too much longer. Thanks again.

  42. I have yet to receive an answer for my question from any turbo tax, but I spoke to IRS about this new date. I was told that they can start processing the 8863’s as of the date they announced it, but the official date isn’t till the 14th. They said the average wait time for DD after approved is a week, but they said they are allowed up to three weeks after you have been approved. Depending upon how fast the system is able to process the tax returns will depend on how quickly our turn around is. It isn’t Turbo Tax fault for the delay, but I wish someone would have responded to my question. Instead IRS answered it. I hope this information helps others.

    • Melanie,

      Was your tax refund already accepted by the IRS? Did the IRS give you a inclination as to what would happen with returns that were already accepted but not processed? Are they processing all 8863s beginning 2/14? Turbo tax customer service sucks…where can I direct a complaint?

      • My tax return was accepted on Jan 25th when they did a test run and discovered the system error when it hit certain forms which one was the 8863. I was told the official date is the 14th, but it is possible for them to have started Friday when they made the announcement. I am sure they had to test run the update in order to know if they fixed the bug, so some people tax returns that have the 8863 could possible have a direct deposit date now. I don’t know where you can go to complain, but I use Turbo Tax and have for 5 years. I was notified about the delay via email on the 28th of January by Turbo Tax. I do think they need to improve their customer service, but the delay is IRS fault. I think they should have put a pop up alert for those who filed after the announcement to give them an option to change their tax return. But I am not Turbo Tax. All I can say is that I hope they are able to process them all on the 14th, but the rumor is that they have over 3,000,000 on hold right now. Who knows if the system can process that many. There is another rumor that they will be processing in order they were e-filed, but no one will confirm either of these for me. I hope this helps you.

      • Melanie,

        I am in the same group as you. My return was accepted by the IRS on the 25th of January also. One thing to remember is the IRS does not have to completely process our returns. They only have to process form 8863. I called the IRS this past week and they told me once the glitch is fixed the returns on hold at the IRS will fly through. Just a little extra information for you.

        Paul

  43. Has anyone noticed that TurboTax Lisa has totally disregarded my questions directed to her? I am never using Turbo Tax again. I don’t like to be ignored by an entity to which I have paid for services. It’s like I am paying you to ignore me!

  44. Hope this helps everyone…on the IRS website they have stated that they will start processing tax returns for the 8863 form on February 14th. So hold on just a little bit longer.

  45. I have a question for anybody that has already received their return. How accurate was the Where’s My Refund? Was your money in your bank when the IRS says it sent it on the WMR? I am just curious because we all know how our refund date would not show up beford on the WMR till a week after we had received our refund. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks,

    Paul

  46. I just called my local HR Block office and was told….”oh yeah the IRS is STILL NOT ACCEPTING your return because of the form 8863!” It’s feb 8th today, so she continued to tell me in almost a “gloating” and “gleeful” voice and says “you should not expect your return until the end of February or the middle of March!” Are you effing kidding me? This is just horse manure by all involved! What ticks me off the most was the way the HR Block lady said it like, she was just dying to deflate my hope of getting a definite date on my return status. I’m ready to jump off a GD bridge because of this shitt!

    • Hi,
      The IRS just announced today that they will be ready to process tax returns with form 8863 on February 14th. Here is the announcement
      http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-To-Accept-Tax-Returns-with-Education-Credits,-Depreciation-Next-Week
      and our blog post letting our customers know
      https://blog-turbotax-intuit-com-develop.go-vip.co/2013/02/08/irs-update-they-will-begin-accepting-tax-returns-with-education-credits-and-depreciation/
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis

      • Thanks TTLisa! Does that mean that a check will be mailed on Feb. 14th? Or do we have to wait another 2 weeks for our refund? Thanks for any info provided TTLisa! Cheers!

      • goes to show the HR Blockhead lady at my local office doesn’t even know the IRS announced this today also! She was joyful in her voice by telling me I had to wait until the end of Feb. or mid March! I should call back and let her have it over the phone! She was just a rude jackasss!!!

      • Hello Lisa,

        I have read the announcement on the IRS website and on the turbo tax blog regarding processing returns with form 8863. None of these announcements make any reference to the tax refunds that were already accepted prior to the IRS making their announcement. What happens to those returns? The announcement says they will begin accepting returns. What about the returns they took and have been in processing since Jan 24th. Do you think you can give me a straight answer? If you don’t have a straight answer, is turbo tax doing anything to find out this information? I know its not turbo tax’s fault this happened, but you guys should be proactive in getting answers for your customers. I know you must be tired of the backlash from your customers. Shows us you’re on our side and get us the answers we need. I noticed that TurboTax Bob, TurboTax VP has not been on the wire for quite some time. What’s the matter Bob the VP, too hot in the kitchen for you? The IRS obviously are not providing any information to us, the taxPAYER!

  47. Paul if your return was received before this delay for education credits you will get your return 21 days after the irs received your return. so if your return was accepted before january 24 you will get your refund before they process on February 14 that date is for new filers that filed after the irs announced the delay.

    • Is this 100% sure? Because my return was accepted by the IRS on Jan 25th. I was wondering if I would get mine before the 14th?

      • Hi Misty and Tammy,

        I am hoping that it is true. From what I was told about us people whose returns were a part of the test phase the only thing they have to do on our return is 8863. The IRS has our returns (not turbotax) like many have been thinking. Also I do taxes and know several tax preparers in town who do volume unlike me and they told me that the programming error is fixed and that they are able to do returns with 8863 and 4562 because the IRS now is working on the other forms. I am going to keep checking mine each day.

      • Paul, I e filed on the 26th got an email from TT that mine filed . then another one that said it was pending. So what does this mean? Did they file it or not. Has it been sitting in limbo for a couple of weeks?

      • From what Bob said, you may want to chat with them, the test returns that were done early like mine had to go all the way to the “IRS has accepted your return this is nothing else you have to do” part. I got the email stating this. These returns are with the IRS and once they start processing 8863 our returns will be processed first that we accepted then they will do the others. Surprisinly there are allegdly 3,000,000 people that use Form 8863.

      • I will keep you up with what is going on. Once my status changes return received to return approved and the return sent. When I talked to my Uncle who is a CPA he said that it should move pretty fast after fixing the programming errors. It was the whole point of the IRS having a new system. Last year the IRS used both systems and had problems. This year they are only running the new system and other than 8863 and 4562 problem returns are processed earlier and refunds too but I do not see where because February 14 will be my 21st day.

  48. Does anyone have any info as to when the 8863 filers will be processed as of late. I am still in pending status with TT. Paul S – did you get your money??

    • No I have not got my refund yet. Mine has been pending status since Jan. 24th. I was one of the early ones that was picked. I think that it is stupid that me along with the other test returns were all done, completed, except for this programming problem. On the IRS website it had Form 8863 return processed in mid-February and the others in late February or Early March. So now they go and on February 10th, Sunday, they are going to start processing returns with Form 4562 and then on February 14th processing 8863. So now I am even more ticked because they had Form 8863 listed first and when I called in the IRS said Form 8863 filers would be first and so did TT. So if we go with history start processing on 2/14 a Thursday then Monday the 18th is a holiday so we will all be lucky to see a refund before February 22nd. Now I know that my addition is really good and I come up with a total of 30 days so what happened to the 30 days. Also through here and calling Tax Act, Tax Slayer, and HR Block are sending in returns with Form 8863 in them and people are getting refunds and not the processing message. I was told on the 25th that mine was one of the test ones and find it hard to believe that all the test returns were done, completely processed and we are still playing the waiting game and being lied to. What does everybody think and have you heard anything about Tax Act, Tax Slayer, and HR Block processing returns with Form 8863 and these people getting their refunds?

      • Hi Lisa Greene-Lewis,
        I’ve been following this thread for a few days now. First, I want to start by saying that your patience is admirable,(thank you for doing your job) especially when dealing with the incompetent , irrational, angry, confused ,frustrated herd of people that have nothing better to do then point fingers when something goes awry in THEIR lives. I understand that everyone on this thread is frustrated. WE ALL NEED the money, but whining wont make it appear any faster. THIS IS NOT TURBO TAXES FAULT, I REPEAT, this has nothing to do with TURBO-TAX , they are merely a middle-man providing tax representation to anyone who CHOOSES to fie with them. For those reading this snidely with your chin-up, waiting eagerly to make a disrespectful comment, back. GROW UP!! I will not respond to negative comments and resort myself to such trivial , primitive dialogue. I do however have a question for you LISA ; Here’s my situation:

        I e-filed with TURBO-TAX on the 23rd and I was accepted on Jan. 25th , 2013, BEFORE TURBO-TAX knew of the Delay issued by the IRS on the ,28th. I Filed a Federal return claiming the “Hope Credit” which is now the American Opportunity credit. My Return was small, as I am a college student. But that is besides the point. Since I was accepted early; but the IRS issued the delay on the 28th, and wont be accepting form 8863 until FEB , 14th; does this mean that my refund will be delayed 21 days after the 14th, or 21 days after my initial acceptance date on the , 25th? Thank you in advance. I look forward to your response.

        Regards,

        American-Citizen , College-Student and Fellow Tax-payer

      • I know its not turbotax’s fault um just upset they respond back to me. I have tried and tired. My state was accepted but I forgot a 1099 form do I have to amend the state return please..

        From my HTC Sensation 4G on T-Mobile. The first nationwide 4G network

      • I talked to a lady at the IRS today and she said that the 21 days starts at January 30th because anything done before then was a test run.

      • I see TTLisa doesnt like the heat in the kitchen. Why have you not responded to my response? Just another TT adviser that has no clue!

  49. I fIled 1/26/13 stIll nothIng! I already got my state back….If turbotax doesnt send It soon I wIll just got to h&r or taxact snd fIle wIthout educatIon credIts and amend later…I serIously doubt I wIll use them agaIn! smh

    • Hi Amy,
      The IRS announced yesterday that they will be processing returns that have form 8863 on 2/14.
      You can read the announcement here
      http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-To-Accept-Tax-Returns-with-Education-Credits,-Depreciation-Next-Week
      Please understand that this is an industry wide issue and whatever tax provider used would not be able to submit tax returns with the education credit form 8863.
      Filing without the education credit and amending later is not a good alternative. The IRS will be processing form 8863 starting 2/14 so you can get your entire tax refund. If you file without it and amend, you have to go through the hassle of amending, you have to paper file an amendment, and it takes the IRS 8 – 12 weeks to process amended tax returns.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis

  50. I filed and recived an email stating my return had been accepted by the irs on 1/26 and then the email on the 28th stating that they would get around to it when the wanted to…. When I called turbo tax for information I could not get an American on the phone. With all of the delays being caused by updating a system to prevent fraud it would seem like a no brainier to not allow my personal information overseas to people who can not be prosecuted by the USA for identity fraud. It is to late for me to cx this year will be my last ever with turbo tax. A least when I walk into h&r block the “plumber” / tax advisor could go to jail if he steals my personal identity information.

    • Hi Jarrod,
      All of our tax experts and support are local and are not overseas. Did you get an answer to your question? I’m happy to have someone answer your question.

      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis

  51. We filed with H&R Block on Jan. 30 and weren’t told about the delay until they called us on Feb 4. We tried to remove the form from our taxes, but the said the the IRS has our return on hold and there is nothing that we can do about it. Is there a way around this delay?

    • Melony, unfortunately you too fell victim to the H&R Blockheads also. They don’t care about your return money, they only care about getting their fees sucked out of your return up-front and then let you twist in the wind with all these wild expected dates of Feb 28 to mid-March! Sorry Melony you are in the same camp as us sweetheart! Just have to sit this one out for a few weeks and stew over it.

  52. I am a student as well like many of you but getting upset with turbo tax is a little uncalled for i have had a great experience with using them and will continue to do so. But getting angry cause you need the money will not get you the answers if you payed attention to the news or irs and the fact that everything was delayed to begin with should have been a red flag that things will be delayed this year stop playing turbo ta and get mad at your goverment

  53. When I filed my taxes, I applied to get education credits and I did not qualify for any. Will this effect the date of my tax refund?

  54. Form 8863 most confusing thing ever to us new at this. I had read the posts on line in TT before I processed my return, and based on what people were saying about the delays, tried to delete my form that I had started. Evidentally TT system did not allow the form to be deleted once started because it now shows in my return. Did anyone else have this problem? Also, never could pinpoint exactly how to fill this information out on TT site, and evidentally I did not do correctly because I didn’t receive any type of credit from it. Do all result in some sort of credit when using this form? Will this hold the IRS has on fixing the form correct my return if I didn’t do it correctly?

  55. This really stinks, I pay all my tuition on my own, support myself WITHOUT any government assistance, pay all the taxes the Jack*** in the White House robs me of, but yet my catagory of taxes cannot be accepted yet! Why is it that people like me always come out the last in line? Oh thats right, because we have to wait til all the welfare, and unemployed get what they have coming from MY hard work and honesty!

    • What does the POTUS have to do with any of this? This is why the IRS believes there is rampant fraud where education credits are concerned. You’d have to have the understanding of basic civics of a 3 year old to post what you’ve posted.

      Enjoy continued ignorance!

    • You paid all that tuition and college fees, but yet you still spew ignorance and biased judgements. People on welfare? What do you know about welfare? People on welfare get welfare because they don’t work. You can’t file an income tax from welfare! The unemployed (smh)? The unemployed paid taxes just like you. There are unemployed people that go to school just like you and pay their own tuition, just like you. Are they to blame for the holdup in your taxes? Let’s be real here, the IRS is holding up everyone who has form 8863. Direct your anger at the IRS, not those on welfare and the unemployed.

  56. Im waiting on a 3065 Refund because of these credits. I wouldn’t have gotten a refund otherwise. So im happy for the credits but I really need the IRS to hurry up. I need to buy brake pads for my car, and I’m really looking forward to the shopping spree im wanting to go on. If they time it right I’ll receive my new Chase credit card the same week I get my refund. Then in March after everythings maxxed out and spent i file for bankruptcy. The longer I have to wait for the refund the longer i have to wait to file. I cant file first because then they take your refund and I wanna spend it.

  57. How do you qualify for the full $2500 credit? last year i got the entire thing, but this year only $1900. While my tuition is exactly the same (within $100 of last years tuition.) I go to school full time and and work part time (<19K annually) to cover living expenses. I am just unclear on what the requirments are? Thanks TurboTax for any information you can give me.

    • I don’t understand this, my return was accepted early on the 26th of January and it still says it is processing. I thought it was supposed to be prioritized by date of acceptance.

      • Lori, you are in the same canoe as us sweetie. We did our return with H&R Blockheads on Jan 26th and today Feb. 8th they tell me to expect my return in mid-March. Can you believe this circus?

    • Mark,

      Did you have Form 8863 in your return? And did you file here with TT or with somebody else? Thanks for any info you give.

      Paul

    • Mark, are you sure? I’m calling horsecrap on that. What day did you process your tax return and with who? TTax, HR Blockheads? Who? My return was filed through HR Blockheads on Jan 26th and is still not showing even being recieved by the irs.gov website? Can someone give me an effing idea when to expect my return. We did file the form 8863 with ours also if that helps nail down an expected return date. Anyone? Anyone?

    • My taxes was accepted on Jan. 25th and I haven’t got a deposit date yet? How did you already get a deposit date using the form 8863? Just curious??

  58. I had my taxes input onto Turbo tax but have not officially filed yet because I was making sure I’ve received all of my documents (from banks and what not). Turbo Tax has told me every day that the education form 8863 is not ready. Just saying.

  59. Can I file my taxes with another provider and not include the education credit? My taxes have been pending on the TT site since I filed them and I’m in need of the funds sooner rather then later. What will happen if TT does try to submit the taxes after I have already sent them in thru another provider?

  60. I just want to know why it seems mine hasn’t been put through. It says received by turbotax but not IRS. How is it supposed to be accepted if it haven’t went?

    • Kizzie u can go refile it without the credit and amend it later if you can’t wait like myself… I just refiled mines on Monday an now mines is processing …all up too u ..hope this help

      • Hi, just a fair warning for amending taxes. I had to amend last year because I forgot to put my school info in so in order to get my education credits I had to amend. By the time the IRS processes, then sends the form back asking for more forms and going through the red tape, you wont get the amended refund for months. It’s best to just file with the education credits and wait a couple weeks. Trust me, I have bills waiting as well as a car that needs to be repaired. But a couple weeks delay is worth getting all your money as opposed to settling for some that prob wont cover all your necessary expenses.

  61. Hi! Some returns were “accepted” by the IRS before they discovered that their computers needed to be reprogrammed. Those returns are now “pending” and will be processed in mid-February along with all the other returns with Form 8863. Hope that clarifies!

  62. I understand about the delay for students. But it says my return has been accepted and being processed on the irs.gov website. I used the form 8863. Does that mean it is being processed? or is a default til Mid February. Thanks

    • Hi! Some returns were “accepted” by the IRS before they discovered that their computers needed to be reprogrammed. Those returns are now “pending” and will be processed in mid-February along with all the other returns with Form 8863. Hope that clarifies!

      • Christopher – have you all heard any NEW information on the 8863 filers. I was submitted and still pending since the 26th of Jan. I am trying to be patient – you all must know something by now – a projected specific date??? Also – will my return automatically go thru when you open the floodgates?

  63. I like everyone else could really use my refund. But I am not going to get upset because I didn’t know of a delay in advance, the way I see it is that I wait all year for my refund back so what is an addition couple of weeks. And before anyone starts to say “We got bills to pay”, ect…I have bills as well, but I had these same bills due prior to doing my taxes, and many of the bills will come due again after the refund is long gone. I have been a TurboTax user for many years, and this is not going to affect my using the program. When will people learn that when dealing with the government, they will do things on their timetable not ours! Mine isn’t a small refund either, it is in the excess of $5k.

      • Hi TurboTaxChristopherT,
        I just had one question. The question is has Turbo Tax heard a date for when the IRS will start processing returns with form 8863. Many dates have been wandering around the chats from February 7th, February 11th, February 14th, and February 15th. Just wandering before trying to find out from the IRS. I have a friend that works at my local HR Block and they received a email from the IRS saying that the returns with Form 8863 will start processing on Feb. 7th.

        Thanks for your help

  64. Will we receive pain and suffering damages in addition to OUR tax refund check? This would really help reinforce your previous remark, “Enjoy it when it comes and I’m sure you’ll forget about your suffering.” Perhaps a refund from Turbo Tax in the amount of $32.46.

    • Hi Denise,

      Who did you hear the February 7th date from? Just curious to see if it is true or somebody saying it in order to shut people up who are complaining.

      Thank You,
      Paul

    • Hi! As far as we know, it’s still mid-February. As soon as the IRS gives us an update, we’ll definitely pass it along to our customers. Cheers…

      • Denise,

        In your chat you said “that I was told that the IRS will be accepting forms 8863 on feb.7″
        somebody else responded back”one of my friends who is a tax prepared say she got an email irs.” I have also heard about that date looking around at all the chats and also see Feb. 15th. Wouldn’t it be nice to get a correct date from the IRS. I emailed President Obama and was very professional and “unwhiny” about it but do not expect a email back….

      • That’s the same old news (I think my crap dont stink rich boy) so obviously your behind the times. My return was one of the test ones. Once the IRS does start processing these ones my return will be done with the first ones. So Im just going to wait and try to avoid responses from one idiot on the blog. Later

      • Paul,
        You are so negative! maybe you should just quit commenting, if you have nothing positive to say.

      • Im being negative. More like being a realistic but then again most people do not know how to be a realistic instead they call people names (negative from Elizabeth) and (girl from Ben). But then people without a brain are more apt to call other people names. Also to end this is to say that this is not Elizabeth Currence Blog or Ben Blog it is Turbo Tax. I am a customer just like you and the last time I checked freedom of speech did not say that I had to be positive, negative, nice, or stuck-up like you!!!!!

      • It’s odd that my niece and her husband filed taxes, she had the educational credits and got her taxes back yesterday. What is wrong with the system. I saw her tax papers.

      • Sniffle sniffle paul. Get your refund yet? Hopefully you can’t pay your internet bill until it arrives so we won’t have to read more of yoir whining…

  65. I dont know why you guys are getting mad at TurboTax! If you do not like the service then go sit in line for hours and pay more just to hear the same thing TT is is dealing with millions of people and they cant control the IRS

  66. I have a question. If I received student loans for college this year and then received a disbursement check, is any of that tax deductible or a tax credit still. I’m very confused. Someone at work talked about the hope credit. what’s that and would I qualify?

  67. I live in NC and my state was accepted on Feb 2nd. I have been searching the web about the 8863 delay for us college students and some people notified others that the IRS told them via telephone could be as early as feb 5th they start processing the returns with 8863 filed as late as feb 11th. Either way, if yo got direct deposit, soon as the IRS accepts your return, you should get a DD date of a few days later.

    • Hi! As far as we know, it’s still mid-February. As soon as the IRS gives us an update, we’ll definitely pass it along to our customers. Cheers…

      • Christopher,
        Once Turbo Tax has a update from the IRS you said “we will defintely pass it along to our customers.” So does this mean that TT will put it on their blog or will they email every customer? Hopefully it will be better than notifying people by email of the problem with Form 8863 because TT knew about it on 1/28 and many people like I did not receive a email about it until 1/30 so just wondering if it will be the same or will Turbo Tax make a heated effort this time to get the message to all of its current customers?

    • Hi! I’m afraid so. Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, is used to complete Form 8863. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news!

  68. I am in the same boat as all of you this is the only form (8863) that is holding up the acceptance of my return and my refund. Yes I was depending on that money to help pay bills, feed my family, and in general make our lives better it sucks that I am a mom, in school full time, and have 2 kids. Yes this sucks but you know what it just means that when we get out refunds we will be more thankful for the money and we are the ones who do not have to run back to AMEND anything at all in mid-Feb. lucky us right, we will just have to grin and bare it for now. PS I think we should all you-tube a big FU to the IRS and government about this in a form of a Thank you for keeping our money longer.

  69. Can anyone tell me what happens if I did not recei9ve any of the credits, but do have form 8863 attached to my refund. My 1040 (line 31) and the actual 8863 (line 19) says zero on the line for amount of credit. I did not receive the credit, but will my refund still be held up because the form is there?

    • Hi! TurboTax would not have included Form 8863 if it wasn’t needed. Not sure how including form with zeroes would be affected, but it likely would.

  70. From some of TT responses on here I think TT is also frustrated with the IRS, however I have been a customer of TT since 2010, and every year it seems to be something else. I agree with the majority, I will probably never use TT again, I paid the $59.99 to have TT protect me and yet…..here I am wondering as to why if I did not have to file a 8863 does this mean I will receive a reject from the IRS, the least TT could do is offer a partial refund as you have not protected me. AND for the rude responses from TT team memebers.

    • Hi! Are you experiencing an issue not related to the education credits? If so, please let us know so we can help! Cheers…

    • I think that I will leave a positive comment on here because it is not up to Turbo Tax for someone to be cognizant of what is going on in the government. I have used Turbo Tax for over 8 years..never had a problem…I found out about the delay because I WENT TO THE IRS WEBSITE BECAUSE I KNEW FROM ALL OF THE NEWS ON THE FISCAL CLIFF THAT THERE WOULD BE SOME CHANGES!!!! HELLO! Stop waiting on someone else to inform you of what is going on in your country! Read for yourself!

  71. I’m in the same boat as everyone else and TT DID know about the delay when I submitted my return on 2/3. A head’s up would have been very much appreciated. Last year my return got caught in the “test” delay as well. Of course you never tell anyone until AFTER they have pressed the submit button and it’s too late to do anything about it. Very disappointed guys.

    • Hi! The situation with the education credits is a nationwide delay, affecting all tax returns that include this form. No matter which tax preparation software, tax preparation service, or tax preparer you choose, all returns containing Form 8863 will be delayed.Hope that clarifies!

      • The fact that it is nationwide is not my issue. My issue is that you guys KNEW about the delay and said nothing about it as I was working through the deductions section until after I hit the “send” button. Had I have known before I would have filed my taxes without this form and amended it later.

  72. Well, the notification that I received from TT after paying and transmitting the return on 1/30 that the efile will be delayed due to the 8863 form until mid – February to early March. This leaves a big “Blank,” meaning if you are waiting 21day to receive your refund after the IRS receives the file, you won’t and should not expect your refund until end or March to the mid April. We might as well suck it up. I only logged into the forum to see if there was an actual date released for the acceptance date of the returns, but we should only fight battles that you can win and we will never win against the government.

    • Hi! You’d have to ask the IRS that question. As soon as they give us an update, we’ll definitely pass it on to our customers!

  73. I am not sure if I have messed myself up or not. I filed my return January 29, 2013 via Turbo Tax. My return was accepted by the IRS on January 30th and my refund is expected to be direct deposited on February 7. I got some 1098T forms in the mail on Saturday that I didn’t include in my original return so I went in last night and amended my return so I could add them. I think I worked too quick because I had no intentions on submitting them to the IRS (at least until I got my refund on the 7th). A message did state that this form wasn’t being accepted at the moment, but it was okay to file it and when IRS did start accepting them it would already be in line.

    Will this stop the process of my return/refund I am expecting on the 7th? And when is Turbo Tax suppose to forward the return for the American Tax Credit to the IRS?

    • Hi! You should sit tight and see what happens with your amended return. You always have the option of amending again if you need to.

      The IRS hopes to begin processing returns with the education credits sometime in mid-February.

  74. please tell me why turbo tax sent me an email saying my taxes was accepted but the irs website says processing, which is it?

    • Hi! Some returns were “accepted” by the IRS before they realized that their computers needed to be reprogrammed. That’s why you got the conflicting messages. Hope that clarifies!

  75. i like to know like everyone else whats mid february the 11th or by the 14 th. does not take that long to update and process form 8863.

    • Hi! When the IRS gives us an update, we’ll certainly pass that information along to our customers! Thanks for your patience!

  76. I think everyone here blaming TurboTax needs to back off a little bit. This is in no way their fault. The returns that were accepted before the 30th were part of a test, and the test worked because it found a problem with some of the forms. I am also waiting for my return now as well because of my education credits and its stopping a lot of my plans as well. Please people just be decent to everyone. TurboTax is the middle man and however frustrated you are, they are as well. Now would be a good time to just be nice to everyone and thankful you are receiving an education, its a privilege denied to many.

  77. I filed right on the 28th, and it just immediately went into pending. I ended up doing my own research as to what was going on with my refund. I do also have the 8863 tax credits on my return. I thought the whole reason the irs delayed tax season until the 30th was for these types of updates. Why they would now need to wait until mid February is beyond me. But thats all irrelevant now that its filed because we cannot edit our return, correct? In my case, it just shows pending, i dont remember it saying accepted. So is this an indicator that it has been accepted? I checked the irs wmr tool, and has no info on my return. Why wouldnt it at least say received, or pending? In other words is my return just in limbo? If so, im just not even going to check on it until i get some contact about it.

    • Hi! Your return will likely stay listed as “Pending” until the IRS starts processing returns with the education credits. Stay tuned…

  78. My question is this….I filed before the announcement….and my returns were rejected because of a turbo tax problem…I resubmitted them and my state was accepted but my federal is pending ( I am assuming because of this very credit that I am also claiming) so does that mean my federal should be fine? This is the first time I have ever used the Educational Credit.

    • Hi! Your return will probably stay as “pending” until mid-February when the IRS starts processing the affected returns.

      • “Your return will have to wait till the IRS starts processing returns with Form 8863” this is a bunch of bullcrap. I called HR Block and they said that the returns they are sending to the IRS with Form 8863 are being accepted. One of their customers “my brother” has Form 8863 on his and he has a deposit date of 2/8 and I called a couple of Tax Preperation places in my town and they siad they are not having problems with return with Form 8863 on them and that they are being processed and refunds have been issued. SO NOW EVERYBODY WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO BELIEVE????

  79. This same topic was in a discussion in August 2012 by the IRS, this topic should have been taken care of many times over again! Turbo Tax is last on the list to blame, thats a gaurantee. They are just business as alot of us are. As im sure Bob knows the being the middle man isnt always worth the salary… lol.
    I still would like to know the interest rate and amount there making on holding our money for this amount of time in which they are???

  80. Has anyone heard any update on this situation? I was really depending on this refund. Its sad that they are saying mid feb. It couldn’t be that hard to fix, its not like its a new form.

    • What about you did send your an the IRS rejected it can’t you resubmit it….when I called them they say they don’t see or have anything filing 2012

  81. I checked the IRS website and it appears form 8863 is avialable and has been updated. It allows you to print the form; maybe the IRS is still trying to work out the kinks, but if that was the case, why would the form be availabe for print on their website? The whole thing is confusing. What is also funny, they can be late making the forms available or providing your refund, but the public cannot be late in filing and paying them back. Sounds like a conspiracy!!!

  82. It seems that if u touch your return while in pending you will be placed at the back of the list..by the way I still do nit see anywhere on web site that this will hold up your rerun..I have told my family and friends not to do this and also NOT to use turbotax..go to any other preparer..someone that will tell u the truth..RT dies not care they have your money now

    • Hi Karen,
      This is an industry wide issue. Believe me we wish would have known sooner. The IRS didn’t even know until they performed test right before they opened the season on 1/30. Through testing they discovered they couldn’t accept form 8863 until they made modifications to their system. Please see the IRS announcement dated 1/28
      http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-To-Accept-Returns-Claiming-Education-Credits-by-Mid-February
      Please understand no matter where you go everyone in the industry is impacted by this.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis

      • Hi Lisa, I would like to know the answers to two questions. My niece field her taxes too the education credit. She received her refund yesterday. I saw it myself. Mine says pending. and can’t get an answer from anyone. Then I saw a post that said that they a tax professional received an email IRS would start process form 8863 on Feb 7th. Why have we not heard from Turbo Tax??

      • Why have we not heard from TT yet? When this originally started they did not email any of their customers until 1/30 even though they knew on 1/27. They didn’t even tell people that many of us, like me, had been in the batches of test runs the IRS had done. After all these questions with dead end answers it is like what are we to do?

      • If you can get the answer, please let me know. I know my nice has paid her bills and able to buy her children necessities. She said she had no problems with her tax return (filing the 8863 form) return hit her bank acct. yesterday.

  83. What a bunch of whiners !!

    the IRS is delaying the use of these forms –

    suck it up and GET OVER IT

    This is so typical in this me generation ; the last poster crying because the software provider ( T T ) isnt “responding ” anymore to her whines ( yes Paul you are a girl )

    I am sure if there were a toll free number you babies would be calling 6 times a day to complain and whine ( about your $25 fee you paid to get your taxes done )

    • We are supposed to be nice on here. Obviously you do not know what that means. Call me a girl, obviously you are a bully right. I am not going to say anything else because I am not the one calling names. I also do know what is going on now, EXACTLY, what is going on and will not tell anybody that acts like you because you are a real piece of f!#$&* crap.

  84. I am very upset!! I filed my taxes on the 29th of January and TurboTax didn’t tell me anything! This announcement was made on January the 28th! It is unfair that we don’t know exactly when the IRS will be accepting them and processing them!! I don’t think I will use TurboTax again!!

    • Really, nobody knew that there was going to be a delay I too filed my taxes and they are also delayed because of an educational credit, but you can’t be mad at the software reguardless of where you filed you could not have gotten your taxes back any sooner, have you ever dealt with the IRS, let’s assume you did file and then filed an amended return, you are anticipating not winding up in a random audit??? Be mad at the lawmakers not being able to come to an agreement in time, nearly causing a fiscal cliff putting the poor people that are trying to make the software reallly far behind.

  85. I went on the IRS site for Education Credit. It stated that it was an issue with the document and they have to test it. I have no information from TT, but IRS stated Mid-Feb for this..You are right there is NOTHING in TT that told us that this was an issue..I am still waiting for a reply from TT but don’t think I will get one….I will NEVER use TT again….Don’t think they really care because they already have your money and you cannot do anything about it..Maybe I should start my own tax company…I know how to read…and look for updated information…DO NOT CHANGE YOUR RETURN..you will not get it until all others have been processed

  86. I filed at H & R block and my education info was not accepted. The tax preparer kept trying and finally had to ask her supervisor and the lady came and told me the IRS just announced it. That also means you will have to pay for an amendment out of pocket since it isn’t the tax services fault. This was a last minute announcement and probably a way to delay returns to keep money longer- and it worked!!

    • SHAME on the IRS, the President ( yes, I voted for him twice!), Congress (DOUBLE SHAME) as they all kept the fiscal cliff face off going until the very end and if many of us had known that our tax returns, etc., would be affected even when settled; I’m sure we would have all been screaming. Terrible and the White House who pride themselves on being for the “little guy” have said nothing about this delay. I can only assume the IRS will be challenging and scrutinizing each as in an audit. Wow! shameful….I heard there were many delays this year.

    • Sam… Yes, you will receive pain and suffering damages in the form of your tax refund check. The reality, however, is that this always was and is YOUR money. Enjoy it when it comes and I’m sure you’ll forget about your suffering!

      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • why tt send me an email saying my taxes accepted but irs website says processing but nothing about approved?

      • Dear Turbo Tax Bob, How much ruder can you get? I.E your response to Sam???
        In another question I was not prompted to fille a 8863 with my education credit/deduction. Does this mean I can expect my return to be rejected soon?

      • Bob, I don’t think that was rude at all. I.E. Daisja response to you!!! I honestly don’t know how you put up with some of these remarks…

  87. What I want to now is what does mid-February mean? – the 15th – the 11th – what?? Also – my boyfriend submitted his return – was accepted the 30th and is being deposited on the 4th – I hope they are that quick with mine when it is accepted. Also – since I filed with TT and an 8863 on 1/25/13 does that mean it will go in AS SOON AS THE IRS is ready – will I be first in line? Do they notify TT first or what?

    • Hi Cynthia,
      As far as we know, your tax return will be submitted as soon as the IRS can process form 8863. They are making changes to their system so they can process the form. This is something they were not aware of until they performed test right before they opened on 1/30. When the IRS makes any further announcements we will keep you informed. So check back on the blog. Please see the IRS latest announcement regarding form 8863
      http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-To-Accept-Returns-Claiming-Education-Credits-by-Mid-February
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis

      • Your Returns Have Been Sent
        What this means:
        Your returns were successfully transmitted. Please remember that the IRS does not begin processing returns until January 30, 2013. Since you e-filed before this date, the earliest you should expect to hear from the IRS and most states is January 30.

        Next step: Keep watching your email.
        We’ll send you another message when your return(s) are accepted or rejected.

        Transmission Confirmation
        Returns sent 2012 Federal Personal
        Returns transmitted on January 26, 2013, 9:32 AM PST
        Estimated government acceptance date January 30, 2013
        E-file status Check current e-file status

        I received this from Turbo Tax, I am confused. If they were sent ?? Why is so many posting that anyone with education credits has not been sent to IRS. Can the IRS accept or reject my taxes before actually process them in Mid Fed?

  88. My return says pending but, when I got a 1099R unexpected i went to see what i should do, It gave me the option to continue with return I saved and exited, I am a college student Im aware of the delay. this doesnt have anything to do with it. I need help? Turbo Tax has not answered, the site says ask a question, I have the only respond I get is from nice folks like trying to get help. This is not good turbo tax, Word of Mouth, is a strong action!

    • Mary… The Live Community where you posted your question is a community effort. That means it is supported by customers like you and from our own staff. We try to ensure all questions are answered but can’t guarantee that.

      If your return says Pending then you cannot make any changes to your return unless your return is rejected. Only then can you add the 1099R that you missed. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until your return is Accepted by the IRS and then file an Amended return that includes the changes resulting from the 1099R.

      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

  89. Has anybody noticed how we first get no response from the IRS and now we are getting no response from Turbo Tax???

      • Whatever dude. I paid almost 2,000 in federal income taxes. Also last time i checked freedome of speech is granted to me by the Constitution of the United States of America. So I can do this all day long if I wanted to. Also have you heard about “cyber bullying” you might wanna delete your last response about “Paul the word is out to get you, best just get yourself and quit whining” Moving On…..

      • Whoa.. 2 whole thousand? Wow. Yoi are big time. Can probably afford a good lawyer for my “cyber bullying”, aka free speech. You are making up stories or people are lying to you. Either way, it appears you are stuck waiting like the rest of us. You’re not special. PS .. im waiting on a lil over three times your total federal taxes paid in refunds. No whining here.

      • @Paul, Can you please explain how you paid $2,000 in taxes yet your receiving a refund of almost $10,000? Just curios!

  90. I am very unhappy about this too. Looks like they are singling out us college students and making us wait. I do not know how the IRS can accept a return and then say we have to wait. My return was ACCEPTED on Jan. 24th but now this. I have form 8863 on my return so I’ll be waiting. Also the IRS updates WMR every night but cannot update their system for a form that is the same as last year and the year before. Also to let everybody know I talked to a person here on chat with TT and was told that I could redo my return without the 8863, have it accepted and get my refund, then do a amended form in March but this person was wrong. My return got kicked back and the IRS explanation “another return is being processed until this name and SSN” and a new return cannot be accepted.

    • Paul… It is unfortunate that you filed before the IRS announced this change on Jan 28. It is also unfortunate that there is nothing we can do for you at this time since it is on hold at the IRS.

      This is not the outcome we want for anyone since we know all filers eagerly anticipate the refund to pay rent and utilities, and make payments on necessary and unforeseen expenses. It’s YOUR money and you deserve it!

      Had you not filed before this news, you could have filed without the credit and then filed an amended return once the IRS starts processing the education credits.

      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

  91. I do not currently attend college but am paying on my loans/loan interest. Why did my refund get delayed if I am not currently a student?

    • AshleyB… Your return can be delayed for many reasons other than the Education credits. The IRS may be doing additional validation or something else. Check the status again in a day or two.

      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

  92. How do I find out if my State is one that is impacted by the following:

    Note: If your federal return is being held, your state return may also be delayed. Some state tax authorities require that the federal return is accepted before they can start processing.

    • AM… Check the status of your state return. That will indicate whether it is pending or in processing.

      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

    • BOB YOU ARE EXACTLY RIGHT I FILED ON THE 11TH OF FEB MY RETURN IS PENDING BECAUSE OF THE 8863 BUT I DONT CARE ALL I KNOW IS THIS MONEY WILL SOON OR LATER GET HERE SOMETIME SOON I’M NOT REALLY CONCERNED CAUSE I DO MY TAXES EVERY YEAR BUT THIS MY FIRST YEAR FILING WITH SCHOOL CREDITS. EVEN WITH THIS BEING SAID I STILL NORMALLY GIVE IRS 30 TO 60 DAYS BEFORE I GET ALARMED SO I THINK IRS WILL START ACCEPTING ON FEB. 14TH SO EVERYONE CALM DOWN UNTIL THEN.

    • Kay… The Tuition and Fees deduction will NOT delay your refund. The impacts just the American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit. However, if you qualify for one of the credits, it is generally worth much more than the deduction. So I would not encourage you or others to compromise your refund by opting for the deduction instead of the credit. It’s your money and you deserve to keep as much of it as possible!!!

      Good question.
      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

  93. Will turbotax let us know the estimated time our refund will be processed or will it still say “pending” until mid-feb. when the IRS starts processing returms with form 8863?

    • Lydia… We won’t update the estimated refund date until the IRS starts processing these returns. When they do, we will have updated dates available for you. Until then, we have to rely upon dates provided by the IRS.

      Thanks.
      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • Thank you Bob. Have been trying to find this answer. Sending you a little good mojo – for all the harassment you are enduring. I will keep my fingers crossed and hopefully they will begin processing the 8863 returns before mid feb 🙂

      • My status stats that I will receive my refund before Feb 20th and I filed with the 8863 credit. So does this mean I will get my refund before Feb 20th? It also says on the IRS website I will receive my refund within 21 days for accepting my refund.

  94. If turbo tax does not want to lose customers then you all need to reject the taxes and allow people to take the form off if they choose to so they wont go elsewhere

    • I agree with you danielle! Since this form was not mandatory & pretty much to help us they should let us file without it. Its no like the IRS have the tax return. I was told by a TT expert earlier that they are holding them until IRS opens it in Feb. Makes no sense.

    • Danielle… The IRS accepted these returns before they even made the announcement about the delay. At this point, it is impossible for us to reject those returns the IRS already accepted but can’t process. For all returns submitted after the news of the delay, we will provide warnings to all customers who may be impacted by this.

      I know this is frustrating and we are doing our best to keep everyone informed of the latest news as we receive it. By the way, everyone is affected by this delay. Going elsewhere will just put you further back in the processing queue.

      Thanks,
      Bob Meighan, VP TurboTax

      • BOB- I understand your not the irs but i do want to ask the question, We are the United states of america and we cant fix an electronic issues in a timely manner. Millions of americans are suffering right now for the simple reason that we ARE depending on this as we do every year. My self mny reason for the need is that my landlord wants to move back in her house now i must move and the tax money was going to help me and now after paying for new house and this months rent for the old house I’l flat broke. Depending on the government is never reliable. But if i sold drugs and was unemployed on welfare Id be much better off. (Heres my question…) Do really think its taking the amount of time as they say it is taking to fix an issued thats been in discussion since atleast August of 2012…. COME ON!!!! They can change sales tax from 7.75 to 8 by a click of a buttom.

      • This is untrue. I used turbotax to file today (2/4/13) and it processed fine with me claiming the education credit. I didn’t even know about the delay until I just read the IRS website. I am not upset with the delay but you are providing false information by stating turbofay will issue a warning because they didn’t today.

      • Syrina Sturdivant,

        Are you talking about Form 8863 in your return that you did on the 4th? Was you return accepted? I am just curious because my return was accepted on January 24th and I have the Form 8863 and I am still waiting.
        Any information that you want to share will be helpful not only to me but many other people reading these.
        Thanks,
        Paul

      • This is my second time responding to this….. I filed on 2/2 and no warning was provided to me about not being able to file form 8863

      • Well, regardless. The people who submitted their returns that you are still “holding” before you submit them to the IRS should have the right to a refund or credit by you so that you can take out the returns that you are holding and allow these people to re-do their taxes however they choose. This is my case, i submitted my return after you knew about the IRS not accepting them (before i had realized it, i submitted on the 30th so your still “holding” mine) yet you wont let me make a change to my return so that i don’t have to submit form 8863 and i can get my return early. I’m practically homeless here and my kids are starving, have some decency and let me re-submit the return you are “holding” If you were to be the only tax preparers who would allow this to happen (because H&R block is doing the same thing you are, not allowing people to change even though they haven’t been submitted to the IRS yet) you would look like the good guys and you would have my business forever as well as tens of thousands of others.

    • Hi Robert – Unfortunately, Turbo Tax didn’t know until the IRS announced this just the day before yesterday. This blog article was posted the same day as the IRS announcement in hopes of getting the news out to our customers as quickly as possible. It is frustrating, I know. Keep in mind, that since you filed your return, it is “in line” for when the IRS does begin processing returns for this credit. The IRS will process them in the order they are received.
      Thanks,
      Karen

      • That is good news Karen. I have been reading all the comments I can find to get this answer. I filed on the 26th with the 8863 – and frankly am happy with my refund amount. Good to know I am “in line” in order of filing. Thank you – I still love turbo taxes – they have assisted me to do my family and sometimes help my friends with their taxes for years. Have you guys heard anything about the speed of refund deposits. It seems the IRS is actually processing and DD quite rapidly once processed. Hopefully around mid feb. my refund will “fly” into my bank account.

    • their reply to your question is true. I filed my return on 2/1/13, and did get the message about the delay re: the form claiming education credits. This is the IRS’s fault, not Turbo Tax’s… This is why people should wait until after the last day of January to file their returns. I had my Federal “accepted” within 3 hours, but it hasn’t been processed with the IRS yet, it’s in their virtual pile of returns…. however my State, been a week and it’s still pending…. not sure why the State is still pending, as each State is different.

      • I e filed my return two weeks ago and it still hasnt said accepted so im going to try to call theis,im from texas f

  95. i would have never took the credit had i known that i would have to wait even longer! i wish that turbo tax would have told me that while i was filing…. 🙁 very disapointing since i thought turbo tax was up to date on there system….

    • Hi Christina –
      I understand your frustration. Unfortunately, Turbo Tax didn’t know until the IRS made the announcement the day before yesterday. We do our best to keep everyone informed as soon as possible. This blog article was posted the same day as the announcement was made by the IRS.
      Thank you,
      Karen

      • how did H&R Block know but not turbo tax? I know someone who filed with H&R Block and they said the IRS will not process that form until mid Feb, so they did not take that credit and they already have there return. She will amend for that credit in Feb. Turbo Tax seems to be behind, or just crooked?

      • Hi,
        So sorry Allison. The entire industry found out about the delay at the same time when the IRS sent out an announcement on 1/28, which was after the majority of tax laws were passed on 1/1/2013. See the IRS announcement dated
        1/28 http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-To-Accept-Returns-Claiming-Education-Credits-by-Mid-February
        We would rather you get every dollar you deserve and claim the credits and deductions you’re eligible for the first time and not inconvenience you and have you come back and amend your tax return.
        Thank you,
        Lisa Greene-Lewis

    • I am so frustrated I cant even get an answer either way yes Im a student yes its delayed, I have other issues with my return. help

      • Hi Mary,
        The best thing to do if you have other issues is to talk to our tax experts via chat or in person. Go to the “Help Along the Way” tab, then type your question where it sounds like you typed before, when an FAQ comes up just go all the way to the bottom of the page and click on “contact us”
        You will be asked what topic your question has to do with so you can be routed to the correct tax expert.
        It sounds like you received a 1099R after filing right? If your tax return is accepted you will have to amend your tax return to add that in. If it is still pending or not accepted yet you can not just go in and add info from the form. If your return is rejected then you can go into your tax return and add info from the form.

        Thank you,
        Lisa Greene-Lewis

    • Hi! You won’t find this form in TurboTax, nor do you file it with your tax return. The copy you receive in the mail is a copy for your records. (If you don’t believe us, look at the bottom of your form; it should say Keep For Your Records or similar.) Cheers… –Christopher

      • This Christopher person is the same person that said we could remove the form 8863 from our return, efile it again, and then amend our return later. Amazing how we cannot get a straight answer from anybody…

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