An IRS refund delay is set to affect thousands of early filers in the 2026 tax season — particularly those claiming two popular credits.
The Internal Revenue Service has confirmed that refunds will not be released before mid-February for taxpayers who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit 2026 (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit refund (ACTC).
For many low- and moderate-income households expecting large refunds, this means waiting longer than usual.
Why the Delay?
The delay stems from the 2015 Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act, commonly known as the PATH Act tax refund delay rule.
Under this law, the IRS is required to hold refunds tied to EITC and ACTC claims until after February 15. The measure was introduced to combat identity theft and fraudulent filings.
Tax preparation firms say the hold allows the IRS additional time to verify returns and prevent fake filings under stolen identities.
It’s Not Just the Credit
Importantly, the hold applies to the entire refund — not just the portion linked to the credits.
Even if part of your return is unrelated to EITC or ACTC, the full amount will be delayed.
The IRS advises affected taxpayers to check the Where’s My Refund tool in mid- to late-February for personalized updates.
Can You Get It Sooner?
While the mid-February hold cannot be bypassed, some taxpayers may receive their refund as early as March 2 if they:
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File electronically
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Choose direct deposit
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Submit an error-free return
Paper filings or mistakes can push timelines further.
Who Qualifies for These Credits?
The Earned Income Tax Credit 2026 is designed for low- to moderate-income workers.
To qualify:
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Investment income must be under $11,950
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Income must fall below set thresholds
For example:
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Single filers with no children must earn $19,104 or less
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Married couples filing jointly with three or more children must earn $68,675 or less
The maximum EITC benefit for families with three or more qualifying children can reach $8,046 for tax year 2025.
The Additional Child Tax Credit refund allows eligible families to claim up to $1,700 as a refundable portion of the child tax credit. To qualify, taxpayers must earn at least $2,500 during the tax year.
A Larger Trend
The IRS says tax fraud has increased in recent years, prompting stricter verification timelines.
Tax experts also warn that even individuals who are not required to file returns should consider doing so. Leaving a filing gap may create opportunities for identity thieves to submit fraudulent returns.
What This Means
For early filers hoping for a “very large refund,” the message is clear: mid-February is the earliest release point if claiming EITC or ACTC.
The 2026 tax season opened January 26 and runs through April 15. For now, patience — and double-checking your return for errors — may be the best strategy.
