IRS Confirms PATH Act (EITC/ACTC) Refunds: Feb 22 Processing, Expect Direct Deposits by Feb 27-Mar 3
Just got word from my tax preparer that the IRS will start processing PATH Act returns (EITC/ACTC) on February 22nd. First batch of direct deposits should hit accounts by February 27th. According to the IRS website, "If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), you can expect to get your refund by March 3 if: - You file your return online - You choose to get your refund by direct deposit - We found no issues with your return" They also mention that "some taxpayers may see their refunds a few days earlier. Check Where's My Refund for your personalized refund date. Where's My Refund should show an updated status by February 22 for most early EITC/ACTC filers." Something important to note is that "your financial institution may need time to accept your direct deposit or issue a debit card. Many institutions don't process payments on weekends or holidays. So, if you file early, be aware of federal and local holidays that may affect how soon you get your refund." The IRS explains why they hold our refunds: "By law, we can't issue EITC or ACTC refunds before mid-February. This includes your entire refund, not just the part that's related to the credit you claimed on your tax return." And heads up - "If you claim the EITC or ACTC, we may need more information from you about your return. If we do, we will send you a letter." Anyone else in the PATH Act boat? Hoping we all see those sweet refunds soon!
14 comments


StarSeeker
Tax pro here - this is correct. The PATH Act delay is mandatory for EITC/ACTC claims to prevent fraud. WMR should start updating around Feb 22nd, and DD will start hitting accounts Feb 27th. Make sure your banking info is correct!
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Ava Martinez
•do you know if this affects amended returns from 2023? still waiting on mine 😭
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StarSeeker
•Amended returns are processed separately and aren't affected by PATH Act dates. Those typically take 16-20 weeks to process.
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Miguel Ortiz
Pro tip for anyone waiting - use taxr.ai to analyze your transcript. It saved me so much stress last year by giving me an exact date prediction. Worth the $4.99 vs checking WMR 500 times a day lol https://taxr.ai
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Zainab Omar
•is this legit? sounds interesting but kinda sketch ngl 🤔
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Miguel Ortiz
•100% legit! It uses AI to read your transcript and tells you exactly where your refund is stuck and when you'll get it. Way better than the vague WMR messages
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Zainab Omar
•Just tried it and WOW. It literally predicted my DDD down to the day. Everyone needs to use this fr fr 💯
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Connor Murphy
in the same boat fam. filed jan 15th with TT, claimed EITC. now we wait 😮💨
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Yara Sayegh
•Same! Turbotax gang rise up 😤
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NebulaNova
every year they make us wait while the non-PATH people get their money first smh my head
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Keisha Williams
•fr its discrimination against poor ppl 🤡
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Paolo Conti
reminder to everyone: if ur claiming EITC make sure ur income docs match EXACTLY what u reported or theyll delay u even longer. learned that the hard way last year
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Amina Diallo
anyone know if child tax credit falls under this too?
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StarSeeker
•Yes, Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) is subject to PATH Act delays
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