April 2026 Update: The PATH Act hold for the 2026 tax season has already lifted. The IRS began processing EITC and ACTC returns on February 21, 2026, and the first deposits reached bank accounts on March 2, 2026. The April 15, 2026 filing deadline is now imminent — if you haven’t filed yet and plan to claim EITC or ACTC, file immediately for fastest processing.
The PATH Act (Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act) prohibits the IRS from issuing refunds containing the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before February 15 each year. This annual hold is designed to prevent fraudulent refund claims and protect taxpayers from identity theft.
PATH Act 2026 — Key Dates Recap
- January 26, 2026: IRS opened the 2026 filing season
- February 15, 2026: PATH Act hold lifted ✅
- February 21, 2026: IRS began approving EITC/ACTC returns ✅
- March 2, 2026: First EITC/ACTC direct deposits released ✅
- April 15, 2026: Tax filing deadline — file or request extension today
2026 PATH Act Refund Schedule — Updated Through April
| E-Filed Between | PATH Cleared / IRS Approved | Estimated Direct Deposit | Status |
| Jan 26 – Feb 3 ✅ | Feb 21, 2026 | Mar 2, 2026 | ✅ Paid |
| Feb 4 – Feb 11 ✅ | Feb 22 – Mar 1 | Mar 2 – Mar 9 | ✅ Paid |
| Feb 12 – Feb 18 ✅ | Mar 2 – Mar 7 | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | ✅ Paid |
| Feb 19 – Feb 25 ✅ | Mar 8 – Mar 14 | Mar 18 – Mar 24 | ✅ Paid |
| Feb 26 – Mar 4 ✅ | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | ✅ Paid |
| Mar 5 – Mar 11 ✅ | Mar 23 – Mar 29 | Apr 2 – Apr 8 | ✅ / In Progress |
| Mar 12 – Mar 18 | Mar 30 – Apr 5 | Apr 9 – Apr 15 | ⏳ Processing |
| Mar 19 – Mar 25 | Apr 6 – Apr 12 | Apr 16 – Apr 22 | ⏳ Processing |
| Mar 26 – Apr 1 | Apr 13 – Apr 19 | Apr 23 – Apr 29 | ⏳ 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 the mailing date to all estimates above. Returns under additional IRS review may take significantly longer regardless of filing method.
EITC & ACTC Maximum Amounts for 2026
- EITC — 0 children: Up to $649
- EITC — 1 child: Up to $4,328
- EITC — 2 children: Up to $7,152
- EITC — 3+ children: Up to $8,046
- ACTC (per qualifying child under 17): Up to $1,700
How to Check Your PATH Act Refund Status in 2026
- Go to IRS.gov/refunds — the official Where’s My Refund? tool.
- Enter your Social Security Number or ITIN, select tax year 2025, choose your filing status, and enter your exact refund amount.
- Click Submit. After February 21, 2026, projected deposit dates will appear for EITC/ACTC filers.
Also available: IRS2Go app (free, iOS/Android) and automated hotline 800-829-1954 (24/7).
Status message meanings:
- Return Received: IRS has your return and is processing it
- Refund Approved: IRS approved your refund — deposit date is shown
- Refund Sent: IRS released funds to your bank — expect deposit within 1–5 business days
If your status shows anything other than these three messages, or has been stuck on “Return Received” for more than 21 days after e-filing, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 for assistance.