If you’re claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) for the 2026 tax season, refund timing follows a different set of rules. This page walks you through what the law requires, how the IRS processes these refunds, why delays are normal, and when you should realistically expect your refund, all in straightforward, easy-to-understand language..
If you claim EITC or ACTC, refund timing follows federal law, not IRS discretion. Understanding that law—and how it interacts with IRS systems—eliminates confusion and false expectations.
The PATH Act Refund Hold (What the Law Requires)
Under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, the IRS is legally prohibited from issuing refunds on tax returns that claim:
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)
before February 15, regardless of:
- When the return was filed
- Whether the return was accepted early
- Whether only part of the refund relates to EITC or ACTC
Important:
The law requires the IRS to hold the entire refund, even the portion not related to EITC or ACTC.
This rule applies every year and cannot be overridden by the IRS, tax software, tax professionals, or banks.
Key 2026 Tax Season Dates for EITC & ACTC Filers
These dates reflect how IRS systems typically operate for the 2026 filing season (2025 tax returns):
- IRS Opening Day: Monday, January 26, 2026
- PATH Act refund hold lifts: February 15, 2026
- President’s Day (bank holiday): Monday, February 16, 2026
- Where’s My Refund? projected date updates: Around February 21, 2026
- Earliest expected direct deposits: Around February 21, 2026 (for eligible filers)
These dates assume:
- The return was filed electronically
- Direct deposit was selected
- No errors, offsets, or review issues exist
Why You Will Not See Refund Movement Before Mid‑February
Even if your return is accepted in January, EITC and ACTC refunds:
- Do not begin final processing until after February 15
- Will not receive refund issue dates before that time
As a result:
- Where’s My Refund? often shows “Return Received” for weeks
- No deposit date appears immediately after February 15
- Transcript codes may not change right away
This delay is normal and expected.
When Will EITC / ACTC Refunds Actually Be Issued?
For the 2026 tax season, the IRS expects that most early EITC/ACTC filers will begin seeing refunds:
- Direct deposit: Late February into early March 2026
- Paper checks: May arrive later
The IRS does not release all refunds on one day. Instead, refunds are issued in weekly batches.
Why Where’s My Refund? Doesn’t Update Right Away
The Where’s My Refund? (WMR) system:
- Updates once per day, usually overnight
- Does not update in real time
- Will not show projected deposit dates until the IRS authorizes refunds for PATH‑affected returns
For most EITC/ACTC filers, projected deposit dates could start to appear around Saturday, February 21, 2026, not on February 15th this year.
This is why many taxpayers see no visible change for several days after the PATH hold lifts.
How to Check Your Refund Status Correctly
The IRS provides two official tools:
- Where’s My Refund? on IRS.gov
- IRS2Go mobile app
Best practices:
- Check once per day only
- Expect updates overnight, not during business hours
Neither:
- Tax preparers
- Tax software companies
- IRS phone representatives
have access to refund dates beyond what WMR displays.
Why Refunds Take Additional Time After Being Issued
Once the IRS releases a refund, additional time may be required due to:
- Bank processing schedules
- Prepaid debit card posting delays
- Weekend or holiday closures
- Internal fraud‑prevention holds by financial institutions
In 2026, the President’s Day holiday on February 16 contributes to slower early‑week processing for many banks.
Common Reasons EITC / ACTC Refunds Take Longer
While most refunds are released in early March, delays can occur if:
- Income does not match IRS wage records
- Identity verification is required
- Credits trigger additional review
- Past‑due federal or state debts apply
- Banking information is incorrect
In these cases, the IRS may request more information before issuing the refund.
Should I Call the IRS About My EITC or ACTC Refund?
For most taxpayers, calling the IRS before the end of February is not helpful.
The IRS, tax professionals, and software providers:
- Cannot bypass the PATH Act hold
- Cannot see refund dates earlier than WMR
- Will advise waiting for system updates
Unless you receive a letter or notice, monitoring Tax Transcripts and Where’s My Refund? remains the most accurate approach.
Bottom Line for the 2026 Tax Season
If you claim EITC or ACTC:
- Refund delays through mid‑February are required by law
- Lack of movement before late February is normal
- Most qualifying filers receive refunds in early March
Understanding the timeline prevents unnecessary stress—and protects you from misinformation during tax season.
This page is updated for the 2026 tax season and reflects current federal law and IRS processing procedures.
