IRS Approved My EITC Refund - When Will Payment Release After PATH Act Delay in Mid-February?

Just checked my IRS transcript and I'm seeing an approval screen saying "Your return has been processed and refund amount approved." I took a screenshot of exactly where I am in the process: Received ✓ Approved ✓ Refund Sent ❌ Under the "Approved" section, it specifically says "Your return has been processed and refund amount approved." The next stage would be "Refund Sent" which mentions "The date your refund was mailed to you or sent to your bank, or the purchase date of your US Savings Bonds." I'm also seeing a notice about the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act since I claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit. The screen specifically mentions that "if you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, the IRS cannot issue the refund before mid-February. This applies to the entire refund, even the portion not associated with these credits." The system is telling me I can "check the status of your refund on Where's My Refund starting in mid- to late February. The website IS updated once a day." I'm anxious about when the money will actually hit my account. Does anyone know if seeing this approval screen means my money is definitely coming? I understand it's been approved, but I'm not sure how long it takes to go from "Approved" to "Refund Sent" status, especially with this PATH Act delay. Anyone else dealt with this PATH Act delay for EITC claims? Getting really anxious about when the funds will actually arrive. Has your experience matched what the IRS site is saying about mid-February for these specific tax credits?

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Oliver Weber

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The IRS transcript shows your tax return has completed three key stages: "Received," "Approved," and "Refund Sent." While this indicates successful processing, the PATH Act provision specifically affects your situation since you claimed EITC or Additional Child Tax Credit. The crucial detail on the screen is the mandatory hold period - your refund cannot be released before mid-February, regardless of early approval. This legislative requirement applies to your entire refund amount, even portions not connected to these credits. The "Refund Sent" status suggests the IRS has designated your refund for payment, though actual disbursement will be held until the PATH Act timing requirements are met. This status indicates one of three delivery methods: direct deposit to your bank, physical check by mail, or conversion to US Savings Bonds. To track your actual payment release, you'll need to monitor the Where's My Refund tool starting in mid-to-late February. Note that this tool refreshes only once per day, so checking multiple times daily won't provide updated information. The presence of all three status indicators (Received, Approved, and Refund Sent) confirms your return has successfully cleared IRS processing - you're now simply in the mandatory waiting period required by law.

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