PATH Act Delay: IRS2Go Shows My EITC/ACTC Refund "Received" But Can't Be Released Until Mid-February 2024

Filed my taxes and just got the PATH Act message on IRS2Go app. I can see on my refund status that it's been "Received" but not yet "Approved" or "Sent". I'm getting this detailed message about the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act since I claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit. According to the IRS2Go app, "The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act says 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." They're also saying "You 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 and is the best way to check the status of your refund." The app specifically directed me to "Tax Topic 152, Refund Information" for more details about my situation. There's also a note that says "For refund information, please continue to check here, or visit the Refunds page on IRS.gov. Updates to refund status are made no more than once a day." At least it's moving faster this year compared to last. I checked the app today at 5:11 and can clearly see my return has been "Received" but is still waiting on the "Approved" and "Sent" statuses to be updated. Really need this refund to get a car. Anyone else seeing the PATH Act message on IRS2Go with the same detailed explanation about mid-February? When should I expect my money, since they're specifically saying not before mid-February? Been checking the Refunds page on IRS.gov too, but getting the same info.

0 coins

14 comments

Ben Cooper

•10M

The IRS2Go app is showing your return is in the "Received" stage, with two more phases to go: "Approved" and "Sent." The PATH Act hold message you're seeing is triggering because of your EITC and ACTC claims. Looking at the screenshot, your refund is currently in the standard processing hold period mandated by law. The timestamp shows this was checked at 5:11, and the app explicitly states they won't issue refunds before mid-February - this applies to your entire refund amount, not just the credit portions. The reference to Tax Topic 152 is standard for refund processing and doesn't indicate any issues. Important details from the screen: - The system updates only once per day - You're directed to check again in mid to late February - The message specifically mentions "Where's My Refund" as the best tracking tool - You can also monitor updates on the IRS.gov Refunds page Based on typical processing patterns, if there are no additional review flags, you could expect your refund approximately 2-3 weeks after mid-February when the PATH Act hold lifts. Keep in mind that multiple daily checks won't show new information since updates occur just once per day.

0 coins