The IRS will begin to release EITC/ACTC (Additional Child Tax Credit) refunds starting Mid February 2019. However, the IRS cautions taxpayers that these refunds likely won’t start going in bank accounts or debit cards February 27, 2019 -- if there are no processing issues with the tax return and the taxpayers chose direct deposit. This additional period is due to several factors, including banking and financial systems needing time to process deposits.
Where's My Refund? on IRS.gov and the IRS2Go mobile app will be updated with projected deposit dates for early EITC /ACTC refund filers February 23, 2019 for the vast majority of early filers. Taxpayers will not see a refund date on Where's My Refund? or through their software packages until then. The IRS, tax preparers and tax software will not have additional information on refund dates, so Where’s My Refund? remains the best way to check the status of a refund.
Why is my refund being held?
If you claim the EITC or ACTC on your tax return, the IRS must hold your refund until Mid February. The law requires the IRS to hold the entire refund — even the portion not associated with the EITC or ACTC. Like previous years, some tax refunds may be held if there are questions about the tax return or the IRS needs more information.
When will I get my refund?
The IRS expects the earliest EITC/ACTC related refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or debit cards starting Feb. 27, 2019, if they chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with the tax return.
Why does it take so long for the funds to show up in my account?
It takes additional time for refunds to be processed after leaving the IRS, and for financial institutions to accept and deposit them to bank accounts and products like debit cards. Also many financial institutions do not process payments on weekends or holidays, which can affect when refunds reach taxpayers. For EITC and ACTC filers, the three-day holiday weekend involving President’s Day affects their refund timing.
How do I check the status of my refund?
Where's My Refund on IRS.gov and the IRS2Go mobile app remains the best way to check the status of a refund. Where’s My Refund will be updated with projected deposit dates for early EITC and ACTC refund filers in mid February. Taxpayers will not see a refund date on Where's My Refund or through their software packages until then. The IRS, tax preparers and tax software will not have additional information on refund dates, so taxpayers should not contact or call them about refunds before the end of February.