Filed 2/8 - Got DDD 2/28 with Child Tax Credit - What to Expect?
Hi everyone, I'm a bit confused about my tax refund timeline. I e-filed on February 8th and got a direct deposit date of February 28th with the Child Tax Credit included. This is my first time filing since my divorce was finalized in November, so I'm claiming my kids as dependents for the first time on my own. Does anyone know if the February 28th date is when I should actually expect the money? And does having the Child Tax Credit change anything about when it arrives? I'm trying to plan my budget for March and I'm not sure if I should count on having this money or not. Thanks for any help!
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StarStrider
Have you checked your transcript on the IRS website? That would show if your refund has been processed already. When did you last check the Where's My Refund tool? Sometimes the dates can change if there are verification steps needed, especially with dependent credits after a change in filing status.
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Luca Esposito
Think of the DDD like an estimated delivery date from Amazon - it's usually accurate, but occasionally there are delays in the system. The Child Tax Credit is like adding a special item to your order that requires extra verification before shipping.
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Nia Thompson
I'm SO FRUSTRATED with how the IRS handles these dates! They give you a specific date and then sometimes it comes early, sometimes late, with zero explanation! It's like they don't understand people are planning their finances around these dates. But at least the DDD means you're approved and should be getting it soon.
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Mateo Rodriguez
I'm a bit worried about my situation too... I filed around the same time and haven't received my refund yet. Maybe there's a delay with Child Tax Credit processing this year?
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Aisha Abdullah
Have you verified that your bank account information is correct on your return? According to the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/refunds), if your DDD has passed and you haven't received your refund, it could be due to incorrect banking details. Also, have you checked if there are any offsets that might reduce your refund amount? Sometimes child support or other debts can affect what you actually receive.
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Ethan Wilson
This happened to me last year after my divorce. I had the right account number but forgot the bank had changed routing numbers. My refund bounced back to the IRS and I had to wait another 3 weeks for a paper check.
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NeonNova
I've experienced delays with CTC processing before. Here's what to check: • Verify all children's SSNs are correct • Confirm you have proper documentation of custody arrangement • Make sure ex-spouse didn't also claim the same children • Check that your address is current with IRS
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Yuki Tanaka
Also check ur bank acct for pending deposits. Sometimes they show as pending for 24hrs b4 posting. My CU always shows IRS deposits a day b4 the official DDD.
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Carmen Diaz
I just checked again and the Where's My Refund tool still shows February 28th as my deposit date. My bank account info is definitely correct - I triple-checked all the numbers before submitting. And I have 100% custody according to our divorce decree, so my ex shouldn't be claiming them. I'm just nervous because it's exactly $7,800 with the Child Tax Credit for my 2 kids, and I'm counting on it for some bills due on March 5th.
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Andre Laurent
Had same issue last year. Called IRS for three days straight. No answer. Wasted hours. Found Claimyr.com instead. Got through in 18 minutes. Agent confirmed my deposit was scheduled. Money arrived next day. Worth every penny. Try Claimyr if you need answers fast. Can't wait days when bills are due. https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c
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StarStrider
Has anyone else used this service? I'm always hesitant to pay for something when the IRS phone line is technically free... just impossible to get through.
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Aisha Abdullah
I used it during the pandemic when I couldn't get my stimulus payment. The service connected me in about 25 minutes when I had been trying for days on my own. The agent was able to verify that my payment had been sent to an old closed account and they reissued it right away. Sometimes paying to save time is worth it, especially when you're waiting on thousands of dollars.
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Emily Jackson
According to IRS Publication 1544, direct deposit refunds are typically processed within 1-3 business days of the designated deposit date. Have you received any notices or letters from the IRS regarding verification of your dependent status? Under Section 152(c) of the tax code, the IRS may require additional documentation for first-time claimants of dependents following a divorce. Has your former spouse also attempted to claim the children?
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Liam Mendez
Good question - when two parents attempt to claim the same dependents, it triggers the IRS's Dependent Database (DDb) verification process, which can delay refunds by 45-60 days even if you're the rightful custodial parent.
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Liam Mendez
What you're experiencing is normal with the PATH Act processing timeline. The IRS uses TC 766 for Child Tax Credit issuance and TC 768 for Earned Income Credit. Your deposit date of 2/28 is the scheduled date, but ACH transfers typically take 1-2 business days to complete through the Federal Reserve's payment system. If your WMR shows a DDD, your return has passed all verification stages including the Dependent Database crosscheck. Banks sometimes hold deposits until the actual date even if they receive the funds early. Check your account for pending transactions.
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Nia Thompson
I LOVE how detailed this explanation is! This is exactly the kind of information the IRS should provide instead of making us guess what's happening. My bank always posts IRS deposits at exactly 3am on the DDD, never early, never late.
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Mateo Rodriguez
I think I'm seeing a similar pattern with my refund... the WMR tool shows a date but my bank doesn't show anything pending yet. Maybe it will appear tomorrow morning.
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