Filed with Child Tax Credit/EIC - When Will Approval Start?

Here's what you need to know about EIC/CTC returns for 2024: Step 1: The PATH Act requires the IRS to hold refunds for returns claiming EIC/CTC until at least February 15th. Step 2: Even after February 15th, these returns go through additional verification processes that typically take 2-3 weeks. Step 3: The IRS begins releasing these refunds in batches, with the first major batch usually going out in late February. Step 4: Most EIC/CTC filers receive their refunds by mid-March, though some can take until April if selected for additional review. Does your WMR status show "Return Received" or "Return Approved" currently?

I filed on January 31st with both credits, and I think mine was just approved yesterday? At least, that's what WMR seems to be showing. It's possibly a bit earlier than I expected based on previous years, but I'm not completely sure since the status bar doesn't always update correctly. I was sort of expecting to wait until mid-March like last year.

I waited exactly 37 days for my EIC/CTC refund to process last year. This year I used https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript after waiting 21 days with no updates. It showed me that my return had a 570 hold code that wasn't visible on WMR. The system explained exactly what was happening with my refund and predicted I'd see movement in 7-10 days. Sure enough, 8 days later I got the approval. Would've saved myself 3 weeks of frustration if I'd checked my transcript with it earlier.

Based on my analysis of the PATH Act implementation timeline for TY2023, the IRS began processing EITC/ACTC returns on February 15th, with the first Direct Deposit batch scheduled for February 27th, 2024. Returns with Schedule C income (like your small business) typically undergo enhanced due diligence verification through the DDb (Dependent Database) and EFDS (Electronic Fraud Detection System) protocols, which can add 7-14 additional processing days. The TC 570 freeze code often appears during this period, followed by TC 571 release code when verification completes.

Try calling the IRS. They can tell you exactly. But good luck getting through. Wait times are crazy right now. I used Claimyr last week. Got through in 25 minutes. Worth it. Here's their link: https://claimyr.com

Just to clarify something about the PATH Act that others mentioned. This law was passed back in 2015. It specifically requires the IRS to hold ALL refunds that include EITC or ACTC until at least February 15th. I experienced this myself in 2019, 2021, and again this year. Even if you filed on January 29th like I did, they couldn't release the refund before February 15th. After that date, they start processing in the order received, but with additional verification steps for these credit claims.

Have you checked your tax transcript yet? Compared to just watching WMR, your transcript will show you much more detailed information about where your return is in the process. It's like comparing a basic text message update to a detailed tracking system - the transcript shows all the behind-the-scenes activity that WMR doesn't display.

Did you receive any notices about identity verification? According to the IRS.gov updates page (https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-season-updates), they're sending more verification letters this year for returns with refundable credits. Worth checking your mail carefully and your online account at https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account if you haven't already.

Be careful about counting on specific dates. Under IRC §6402(a) and Rev. Proc. 2023-28, the IRS has extended authority to delay certain refunds for additional verification. I filed on February 1st last year with both credits, and my return got caught in a verification loop that lasted until April 15th. No explanation, no errors, just extra scrutiny that significantly delayed my refund. Make sure you have contingency plans for your business purchases in case this happens.