April 2026 Update: The IRS began displaying EITC/ACTC refund statuses on February 21, 2026, and released the first deposits on March 2, 2026. If you filed in January or early February, your refund should already be in your account. If you filed in March or April, your refund is processing — use the steps below to check your exact status right now.
2026 EITC/ACTC Refund Status — Current State
| Milestone | Date | Status |
| IRS opened 2026 filing season | January 26, 2026 | ✅ Completed |
| PATH Act hold lifted | February 15, 2026 | ✅ Completed |
| IRS began approving EITC/ACTC returns | February 21, 2026 | ✅ Completed |
| First EITC/ACTC direct deposits released | March 2, 2026 | ✅ Completed |
| April 2026 filers — processing | Ongoing | ⏳ In Progress |
| Federal tax deadline | April 15, 2026 | ⚠️ Approaching |
How to Check Your 2026 EITC/ACTC Refund Status
Via Website
- Go to IRS.gov/refunds — Where’s My Refund?
- Enter your Social Security Number (or ITIN).
- Select tax year 2025 and your filing status.
- Enter your exact refund amount in whole dollars.
- Click Submit to view your EITC/ACTC refund status and projected deposit date.
Via IRS2Go App
Download the free IRS2Go app (iOS/Android), tap Refund Status, and enter the same details. Also available via automated hotline 800-829-1954 (24/7).
The tool updates once daily (usually overnight). EITC/ACTC filers can check status 24 hours after e-filing, but projected deposit dates only appear after February 21, 2026.
What Do the EITC/ACTC Status Messages Mean?
- Return Received: The IRS has your return and is processing it under the PATH Act hold (before Feb 15) or in standard review (after Feb 15). Allow 21+ days for e-filers.
- Refund Approved: Your return cleared PATH Act review and was approved. Your direct deposit date is shown. Expect funds 1–5 business days after this date.
- Refund Sent: The IRS released your refund to your bank. Allow 1–5 business days for the deposit to clear. If no deposit after 5 days, contact your bank first, then the IRS.
Updated EITC/ACTC Deposit Schedule Through April
| E-Filed With EITC/ACTC | Approved / PATH Cleared | Estimated Deposit | Status |
| Jan 26 – Feb 3 ✅ | Feb 21 | Mar 2 – Mar 6 | ✅ Paid |
| Feb 4 – Feb 18 ✅ | Feb 22 – Mar 5 | Mar 7 – Mar 18 | ✅ Paid |
| Feb 19 – Mar 4 ✅ | Mar 6 – Mar 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 1 | ✅ Paid |
| Mar 5 – Mar 19 ✅ | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | ⏳ In Progress |
| Mar 20 – Apr 2 | Apr 4 – Apr 17 | Apr 17 – Apr 30 | ⏳ Processing |
| Apr 3 – Apr 15 | Apr 18 – Apr 30 | May 1 – May 13 | ⏳ Upcoming |
What to Do If Your EITC/ACTC Refund Is Late
- If status shows Return Received for more than 21 days (e-file) or 8 weeks (paper): Call the IRS at 800-829-1040.
- If status shows Refund Sent but no deposit after 5 business days: Contact your bank, then the IRS if not resolved.
- If incorrect bank information was entered on your return: The IRS will send a CP53E notice — follow instructions promptly to avoid further delays.
- If the IRS needs to verify your identity: You’ll receive a Letter 5071C — follow the instructions to verify online at idverify.irs.gov.