April 2026 Update: The IRS began releasing EITC and ACTC refund deposits on March 2, 2026 for the earliest filers. The PATH Act hold has been fully lifted. If you filed in March or April and claimed these credits, your refund is still on the way — see the updated schedule below.
The IRS officially confirmed that most EITC and ACTC direct deposits for taxpayers who filed early and chose direct deposit were available by March 2, 2026. This aligns with the PATH Act requirement that prevents the IRS from releasing these refunds before February 15 of each year.
2026 EITC/ACTC Refund — Everything You Need to Know
| PATH Act Hold Lifted | February 15, 2026 |
| IRS Processing Started | February 21, 2026 (for EITC/ACTC returns) |
| First Deposits Released | March 2, 2026 |
| Filing Deadline | April 15, 2026 |
| Maximum EITC (3+ children) | $8,046 |
| Maximum ACTC (per child) | $1,700 |
| Refund Method | Direct deposit only (paper checks discontinued) |
Updated EITC/ACTC Payout Schedule — Through April 2026
| E-Filed Between | PATH Cleared / Approved | Direct Deposit Date | Status |
| Jan 26 – Feb 3 ✅ | Feb 21 | Mar 2 | ✅ Paid |
| Feb 4 – Feb 11 ✅ | Feb 22 – Mar 1 | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | ✅ Paid |
| Feb 12 – Feb 18 ✅ | Mar 2 – Mar 8 | Mar 11 – Mar 17 | ✅ Paid |
| Feb 19 – Feb 25 ✅ | Mar 9 – Mar 15 | Mar 18 – Mar 24 | ✅ Paid |
| Feb 26 – Mar 4 ✅ | Mar 16 – Mar 22 | Mar 25 – Mar 31 | ✅ Paid |
| Mar 5 – Mar 18 | Mar 23 – Apr 5 | Apr 1 – Apr 14 | ⏳ In Progress |
| Mar 19 – Apr 1 | Apr 6 – Apr 19 | Apr 15 – Apr 28 | ⏳ Upcoming |
| Apr 2 – Apr 15 | Apr 20 – May 3 | Apr 29 – May 12 | ⏳ Upcoming |
Paper filers claiming EITC/ACTC should add 6–8 weeks from mailing date for their refund to be processed and sent.
Haven’t Filed Yet? Claim Your EITC Before April 15
If you qualify for EITC or ACTC but haven’t filed yet, you still have time. File by April 15, 2026 to claim your refund. Use IRS Free File if your income is $79,000 or below — it’s free and the fastest way to get your refund.
To check if you qualify for EITC, use the IRS EITC Assistant tool.
How to Check Your EITC/ACTC Refund Status Right Now
- Go to IRS.gov/refunds — Where’s My Refund?
- Enter your SSN/ITIN, tax year 2025, filing status, and exact refund amount.
- Click Submit. After February 21, 2026, the tool shows projected deposit dates for EITC/ACTC filers.