Every year, millions of U.S. taxpayers who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) expect larger refunds. However, many filers are surprised when their refunds are delayed for weeks or even months, despite filing early and accurately.
If you’re waiting on an EITC or ACTC refund, this guide explains why the IRS delays these payments, what the law requires, expected timelines, and what you can realistically do while waiting.
Why EITC and ACTC Refunds Are Delayed Every Year
The delay is not an IRS error and not a sign your return is rejected.
Under the PATH Act (Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act), the IRS is legally required to hold refunds that include:
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)
Purpose of the Delay
The rule exists to:
- Prevent identity theft
- Reduce fraudulent refund claims
- Allow extra income and dependent verification
Important: Even if you file on the first day of tax season, the IRS cannot release EITC/ACTC refunds before mid-February.
Standard IRS Timeline for EITC & ACTC Refunds
Here is what typically happens each tax year:
Key Refund Timeline
- Late January: IRS begins accepting tax returns
- Mid-February (around Feb 15): Legal hold ends
- Late February – Early March: First wave of refunds issued
- March – April: Additional refunds released in batches
- Beyond April: Delays possible due to reviews or errors
For most filers who:
- Filed electronically
- Chose direct deposit
- Had no errors
Refunds usually arrive by early March, but not guaranteed.
Common Reasons Your EITC or ACTC Refund Is Still Delayed
Even after the PATH Act hold ends, refunds may take longer due to:
1. Income Verification Issues
If reported income doesn’t match IRS records (W-2s, 1099s), your return may be flagged.
2. Dependent Review
Claims involving children often undergo:
- Residency checks
- Relationship verification
- Prior-year comparison reviews
3. Identity Verification
Some taxpayers must complete IRS ID verification, which pauses refunds until resolved.
4. Processing Backlogs
High filing volumes can slow refund release, especially during peak weeks.
How to Check Your EITC / ACTC Refund Status
Best Tools to Use
- IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool
- IRS2Go mobile app
Refund statuses generally show:
- Return received
- Refund approved
- Refund sent
Tip: Status updates usually occur once per day, often overnight.
Will Everyone Receive Their Refund by the Same Date?
No. There is no universal refund date for EITC or ACTC filers.
Refund timing depends on:
- Filing date
- Accuracy of return
- Verification requirements
- Bank processing speed
Social media claims like “All EITC refunds hit on one day” are misleading.
What You Should (and Should Not) Do While Waiting
What Helps
- Double-check IRS notices or letters
- Ensure your bank info is correct
- Respond promptly if the IRS requests verification
What to Avoid
- Re-filing the same return
- Calling the IRS repeatedly without new updates
- Trusting third-party “refund unlock” services
The IRS does not charge fees to release refunds.
Can You Speed Up an EITC or ACTC Refund?
Unfortunately, no.
There is no legal way to bypass:
- The PATH Act hold
- IRS review processes
Even tax professionals cannot accelerate EITC/ACTC refunds.
What If Your Refund Is Still Delayed After March or April?
If your refund hasn’t arrived well after the typical window:
- Check for IRS letters (ID verification, audit notices)
- Log into your IRS online account
- Contact the IRS only if advised by official tools
In rare cases, refunds may be delayed for:
- Manual reviews
- Offset for past-due debts
- Errors requiring correction
Final Verdict: What EITC & ACTC Filers Should Know
The EITC and ACTC refund delay is mandatory, not optional.
The reality:
- Delays happen every year
- Most refunds arrive by early March
- No guaranteed payment date
- No instant release options
If you qualify and your return is accurate, your refund is coming—but only after IRS verification is complete.
FAQs – EITC & ACTC Refund Delays
Why does the IRS hold these refunds?
Federal law requires extra fraud screening.
When is the earliest refunds are released?
Mid-February, with deposits typically late February or early March.
Can I call the IRS to speed it up?
No, unless the IRS requests action.
Does filing early help?
It helps you get in the first batch—but does not bypass delays.