Received EIC/ACTC Recertification Letter - Really 6-8 Week Wait for Refund After Form 8862 Approval?

Finally got my EIC and ACTC recertification letter today dated February 18, 2025! Filed through turbotax on Jan 27th and got accepted same day. Transcript updated Feb 8th with 971 code and then path act notice on feb 9th. The letter is dated February 18, 2025 and has the heading "You successfully recertified for the credits you claimed for 2024" which is such a relief after waiting so long. It specifically states "Based on your Form 8862, Information to Claim Certain Credits After Disallowance, we're allowing the following credits you claimed on your tax return:" and then lists both the "Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC)" and "Child Tax Credit/Credit for other dependents or Additional Child Tax Credit (CTC and ACTC)". The letter states "If you're expecting a refund, you'll receive it within 6-8 weeks if you don't owe other taxes or debts we're required to collect." They gave me the number 800-829-0922 if I have questions about this notice, and mentioned I won't need to complete Form 8862 in the future to claim these credits since I'm now recertified. The letter specifically says "You don't need to complete a Form 8862 in the future to claim the credits you recertified for" which is great news going forward. It also has a section titled "What you should know" that says "You don't need to do anything at this time" and "Keep a copy of this notice for your records." Anyone else in the same boat and actually got their refund faster than the 6-8 weeks they're saying? This waiting is killing me, especially since I already waited through the PATH act delay! Has anyone called the 800-829-0922 number to ask about a timeline?

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GalacticGuardian

This recertification letter confirms you've successfully regained eligibility for both the Earned Income Credit (EIC) and Child Tax Credit/Additional Child Tax Credit (CTC/ACTC) for tax year 2024. The Form 8862 approval is particularly significant because it means you won't need to go through this recertification process again in future tax years - you're now fully cleared to claim these credits going forward. While the letter mentions a 6-8 week timeframe for refunds, this is typically a conservative estimate. Most taxpayers who've cleared the PATH Act delay and received their 8862 approval see refunds within 2-3 weeks. The key is to monitor your transcript for code 846, which will show your actual direct deposit date. The contact number provided (800-829-0922) is specifically for questions about this notice and your recertification status, which can be helpful if you need to follow up on your refund status or have questions about your restored eligibility for these credits. Given your timeline (filing January 27th, transcript updates February 8th-9th), and now this approval letter, you're moving through the process normally and should see movement on your refund soon.

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