IRS Warns of Refund Delays for EITC and ACTC Filers

Federal law requires the agency to hold refunds for those claiming key tax credits until mid-February.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The IRS is cautioning taxpayers that refunds may be delayed this filing season for those claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). Federal law requires the IRS to hold these refunds until mid-February to check for mistakes or fraud, even if the return was filed at the start of the season.

Why it matters

The EITC and ACTC are important tax credits that help low- and moderate-income families, but they are also frequently targeted by fraudsters. The IRS is taking extra time to review these claims to protect taxpayers and the integrity of the tax system.

The details

The IRS says most refunds are processed within about three weeks, but those claiming the EITC or ACTC will have to wait until at least February 15 to receive their refund, even if they filed their return early in the season. The agency must carefully review all the data to check for mistakes or fraud attempts, which can delay the entire refund, not just the credit amount.

  • The 2026 tax filing season began on January 1, 2026.
  • Refunds for EITC and ACTC filers will be held until at least February 15, 2026.

The players

IRS

The Internal Revenue Service, the federal agency responsible for administering and enforcing federal tax laws.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Taxpayers can check the status of their refund using the IRS' "Where's My Refund" tool online or in the IRS2Go app, which updates daily.

The takeaway

While the refund delays may be frustrating, they are necessary to protect taxpayers and the integrity of the tax system. Filers can take steps like filing early, double-checking their returns, and using direct deposit to help speed up normal processing times.