If you’re one of the millions of Americans who filed a tax return claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC) and haven’t received your refund yet—don’t panic. The IRS has officially confirmed delays for many taxpayers, and there are legitimate reasons behind it.
Let’s dive into what’s causing the holdup, when you can expect your money, and what steps you can take to avoid longer delays.
Why Are EITC and CTC Refunds Being Delayed?
The IRS is delaying refunds for returns claiming the EITC or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) to ensure accuracy and reduce fraud. Each year, these refundable credits are targets for fraudulent claims, so the IRS applies additional scrutiny before processing them.
Even if your return was filed early and accepted, refunds for EITC and ACTC claims are not released until mid-February to early March to allow time for income verification and fraud detection.
Common Reasons for the Delay
Several reasons can hold up your refund, even if you filed on time and without errors:
- Income Mismatch: If the IRS can’t verify your income with the information they have, your return could be flagged.
- Incorrect Information: Errors in Social Security Numbers, dependents, or credit claims can slow down processing.
- Multiple Claims for the Same Child: If more than one taxpayer claims the same dependent, the IRS will pause both returns until resolved.
- Identity Verification: If the IRS suspects identity theft, you may be asked to confirm your identity before your refund is released.
IRS Refund Timeline for EITC and CTC
The IRS typically issues most refunds within 21 days of receiving a return. However, if you’re claiming the EITC or ACTC, here’s what the expected timeline looks like:
| Action | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Tax filing opens | Late January |
| EITC/CTC refunds held for review | Until mid-February |
| Earliest direct deposit for these returns | Around March 1, 2025 |
| Paper checks | May take a few days longer |
How to Avoid Extra Delays
If you’re still waiting for your refund, here’s how to make sure things don’t get held up further:
- File Electronically – Paper returns take significantly longer.
- Use Direct Deposit – It’s faster and safer than receiving a check.
- Double-Check Your Return – Make sure your information is accurate and complete.
- Respond Promptly to IRS Notices – If the IRS contacts you, act fast.
What to Expect With Refund Amounts
If you’re eligible for the EITC, your credit could range from:
- Up to $7,830 for families with three or more children
- Up to $3,995 for families with two children
- Up to $1,158 for workers with no children
For the Child Tax Credit, you could receive:
- Up to $2,000 per qualifying child
- Of which, up to $1,600 may be refundable for 2024 returns filed in 2025
Combined, some families could be expecting refunds of over $8,000, making these delays especially frustrating—but equally critical for fraud prevention.
Refund delays are frustrating—especially when you’re counting on that money. But if you’re claiming the EITC or Child Tax Credit, it’s important to understand that the IRS is simply being cautious to protect you and the system.
Stay calm, check your refund status online, and make sure your return is clean and correct. While the wait may take a little longer, your refund is on the way.
FAQs
Can I still track my refund while it’s delayed?
Yes. Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool to check your refund status, even if it’s still under review.
Do I need to take action if my refund is delayed due to EITC or CTC?
Generally, no. If the IRS needs anything from you, they will send a notice. Don’t refile or call unless it’s been more than 21 days without updates.
Will I get interest if my refund is late?
Possibly. If the IRS takes more than 45 days to issue your refund after the filing deadline, interest may be paid—but it’s typically minimal.