EITC/ACTC Refund Dates 2025
Earned Income Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit refund schedule
PATH Act Hold — EITC Refunds Delayed Until February 15
The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, passed in 2015, requires the IRS to hold all refunds that include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) until at least February 15.
This applies even if you filed your return on January 27 (the first day the IRS accepts returns). The IRS uses this time to verify EITC/ACTC eligibility and combat fraudulent claims.
2025 EITC Refund Timeline
January 27, 2025
IRS begins accepting returns
File early even though refund is held
January 27 – February 14
EITC/ACTC returns processed — refunds held
IRS verifies eligibility during this period
February 15, 2025
PATH Act hold lifts — IRS begins releasing EITC refunds
First day IRS can issue EITC refunds
February 27, 2025
Most early EITC filers receive direct deposit
Assuming no errors and direct deposit chosen
March 1–14, 2025
Additional EITC refunds continue to arrive
Later filers and paper return recipients
Who Qualifies for EITC?
The Earned Income Tax Credit is for low-to-moderate income workers. For 2024:
No children
Up to $632
Income limit: $18,591
1 child
Up to $4,213
Income limit: $49,084
2 children
Up to $6,960
Income limit: $55,768
3+ children
Up to $7,830
Income limit: $59,899
*Approximate limits for 2024. Single/MFS filers have lower thresholds.
Tips for EITC Filers
- File electronically: E-filing is processed faster and you'll receive your refund sooner after the Feb 15 hold lifts.
- Choose direct deposit: Direct deposit is 1-2 weeks faster than a paper check.
- File accurately: Errors on your return can cause additional delays beyond the PATH Act hold.
- Don't buy refund anticipation loans: RALs carry high fees — the wait is only a few extra weeks.
- Check IRS WMR after Feb 15: Use Where's My Refund to track your refund status from Feb 15 onward.
Check Your EITC Refund Status
After February 15, use the IRS Where's My Refund tool to check your status. You'll need your SSN, filing status, and exact refund amount.
IRS Where's My Refund