EITC/ACTC Refund Schedule – Eligibility, Status and what if delayed?

By law, the IRS is prohibited from issuing EITC and ACTC refunds before mid-February. The refund schedule for EITC/ACTC approved by the IRS ranges from late February to late April, depending on the filing date.

EITC/ACTC Refund Schedule

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) are important tax credits for many Americans. If you claimed these credits, you can expect to receive your refund by February 27, 2024.

EITC/ACTC & Tax Refund Approved	Direct Deposit Sent	Paper Check Mailed
January 29, 2024	February 27 – March 3, 2024	March 5-9, 2024
February 5, 2024	March 4-8, 2024	March 12-16, 2024
February 12, 2024	March 11-15, 2024	March 18-22, 2024
February 19, 2024	March 18-22, 2024	March 25-29, 2024
February 26, 2024	March 25-29, 2024	April 1-5, 2024
March 4, 2024	April 1-5, 2024	April 8-12, 2024
March 11, 2024	April 8-12, 2024	April 15-19, 2024
March 18, 2024	April 15-19, 2024	April 22-26, 2024
March 25, 2024	April 22-26, 2024	April 29-May 3, 2024
April 1, 2024	April 29-May 3, 2024	May 6-10, 2024
April 8, 2024	May 6-10, 2024	May 13-17, 2024
April 15, 2024	May 13-17, 2024	May 20-24, 2024

The IRS must hold refunds for early filers claiming EITC or ACTC until mid-February by law, and the IRS typically tells taxpayers it will take 21 days to receive their refund after filing. 

The IRS website and app will be updated for most filers by February 17, 2024, including expected refund dates for most early filers with EITC/ACTC.

• IRS Payout Dates 2024
• Where is My PA Tax Refund

EITC/ACTC Refund Eligibility

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC):

• Income Limits: Eligibility is based on your earned income and filing status. The maximum income range for single filers with no qualifying children is $59,187, while Married Filing Jointly can reach $80,270.
• Filing Status: You must file a federal income tax return and cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.
• Citizenship/Residency: You must be a U.S. citizen, resident alien, or have a spouse who meets these requirements.
• Investment Income: Investment income cannot exceed $11,000 in 2023.
• Qualifying Child (Optional): Having a qualifying child can increase your credit amount. Specific rules apply to their age, residency, and relationship to you.

Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC):

• Income Limits: The credit phases out gradually above certain income thresholds. For 2023, the phase-out begins at $200,000 for single filers and $400,000 for Married Filing Jointly.
• Qualifying Child: You must have a qualifying child under 17 years old at the end of the tax year and meet specific relationship and residency requirements.
• Filing Status: You must file a federal income tax return and cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.
• Foreign Earned Income: You cannot claim ACTC if you or your spouse (if filing jointly) file Form 2555 or 2555 EZ for foreign earned income (excluding certain exceptions).

EITC/ACTC Refund Status 

Step-by-step guide to checking your EITC/ACTC refund status using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool:

Before You Begin:

• Ensure you meet the EITC/ACTC eligibility requirements. You can review them on the IRS website:
  • EITC: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc
  • ACTC: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/child-tax-credit
• Have your Social Security number (SSN), filing status, and exact whole-dollar amount of your expected refund handy.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Visit the IRS website: Go to https://www.irs.gov/refunds.
• Choose your preferred method: You can check your refund status on a computer or mobile device. Select the appropriate option.
• Enter your information: Carefully enter your SSN, filing status, and exact refund amount. Ensure everything matches your tax return exactly.
• Submit your request: Click “Track My Refund” or “Continue” to view your status.
• Interpret the results: You’ll see one of three messages:
  • “Approved”: Your return has been processed and your refund is scheduled for deposit.**
  • “Processing”: Your return is still being processed. Check back later for updates.
  • “Refund sent”: Your refund will reflect in your account.

What to do if your EITC/ACTC Refund is delayed?

Wait Patiently:

• Even if you meet the early filer criteria, unexpected issues can cause delays. Give the IRS processing time as per the expected timeline before worrying.

Consider Reasons for Delay:

• Errors: Ensure all information on your return is accurate. Simple errors can delay processing.
• Verification: The IRS might need to verify information, especially for first-time EITC/ACTC claimants.
• Fraud Prevention: The IRS has security measures to prevent fraud, which can sometimes lead to delays.

Seek Help if Necessary:

• More than 21 days: If it’s been over 21 days since the expected deposit date for early filers or over 4 weeks for others, and “Where’s My Refund?” doesn’t offer a clear explanation, consider contacting the IRS.
• Call the IRS: You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1954 (M-F, 7 AM-7 PM local time). Be prepared for hold times and have your Social Security number and tax return information ready.