What does PATH mean on my transcript? Is it a good or bad thing?
I just checked my transcript and noticed PATH mentioned. Not sure if this is good or bad news. Filed in January and claimed EIC. Anyone know what this actually means for my refund timing?
15 comments


Jacob Lee
PATH stands for Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act. It requires the IRS to hold refunds that include Earned Income Credit until at least mid-February. This is actually a protection measure against fraud, not a bad thing. The hold is mandatory even if your return is perfect. You should expect movement after February 15th if everything else is in order.
0 coins
Ava Harris
•omg thank you! Was freaking out thinking I did something wrong 😅
0 coins
Emily Thompson
•stuck in the same boat. its my first time claiming EIC and I was getting worried
0 coins
Sophie Hernandez
Hey guys just wanted to share something thats been super helpful - I started using taxr.ai to check my transcript and it's been a game changer. For $1 it analyzes everything and tells you exactly whats going on and when to expect your refund. Way better than trying to decode these codes ourselves lol https://taxr.ai
0 coins
Daniela Rossi
•fr? does it actually work? seems too good to be true
0 coins
Sophie Hernandez
•100% legit! it broke down my whole transcript and showed me exactly why I was delayed (had a PATH hold + verification). Even told me the exact date range to expect my refund 💯
0 coins
Daniela Rossi
•just tried it and wow youre right! wish I knew about this weeks ago instead of stressing 🙌
0 coins
Ryan Kim
PATH is annoying but necessary tbh. Too many scammers trying to get fake EIC claims thru
0 coins
Zoe Walker
waiting since jan 23rd... PATH hold got lifted but still no DDD 🤡
0 coins
Elijah Brown
•same here bestie 😠this wait is killing meee
0 coins
Maria Gonzalez
Pro tip: After PATH lifts, check your transcripts every Friday morning. Thats when they usually update with new deposit dates
0 coins
Ava Harris
•thanks for the tip! Will def do that
0 coins
Natalie Chen
anybody else keep refreshing wmr like a crazy person or just me lololol
0 coins
Santiago Martinez
•guilty as charged 🤣 checking 10 times a day minimum
0 coins
Natalie Chen
•we need help fr 💀
0 coins