If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) on your 2024 tax return, here’s what you need to know about your refund timeline!
📅 Key Refund Dates to Watch:
Many taxpayers are anxiously awaiting their refunds, thinking that once the PATH Act law lifts on February 15, 2025, they’ll get a direct deposit date immediately. However, due to the way the timing and tax law fall this year, taxpayers will need to wait an additional week before seeing any updates.
✅ February 21, 2025 – Many taxpayers will see 846 Refund Issued updates on their tax transcripts. 📄
✅ February 22, 2025 – The Where’s My Refund? (WMR) tool will update with deposit dates for early EITC/ACTC filers. 📲💻
✅ February 26, 2025 – The first round of direct deposits is expected to begin hitting bank accounts and cards, if there are no issues with the return. 💵🏦
Some taxpayers may receive their direct deposit refunds as early as February 22, 2025, but most will see them by February 26, 2025.
🛑 Why the Delay?
The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act requires the IRS to hold refunds that include EITC/ACTC until mid-February to prevent fraud and identity theft. Before February 22, affected taxpayers may see a PATH Act Disclaimer message or a “Being Processed” status while the IRS completes its review.
🔎 How to Track Your Refund:
🔹 Tax Transcripts – Check for updates on February 21, 2025.
🔹 Where’s My Refund? (WMR) Tool – Updates begin February 22, 2025.
🔹 IRS2Go App – Get refund status updates on your phone.
🚨 Will Calling the IRS Speed Up Your Refund?
No. IRS phone representatives do not have additional information beyond what’s available on Where’s My Refund? or your Tax Transcript. Only call the IRS if WMR directs you to do so.
💡 The IRS is entering its busiest season, so phone wait times will be long. If your status says “Being Processed”, your return is still under review, and no additional information is available until the IRS updates your refund status.
