The IRS officially began releasing EITC and ACTC refunds on March 2, 2026 for the earliest filers. Millions of refunds for these credits have already been deposited. If you claimed EITC or ACTC and filed in January or February, your money should already be in your account. If you filed in March or April, your refund is on the way — use the updated schedule below to find your exact deposit date.
2026 ACTC & EITC Payout — Key Facts
| Maximum EITC (0 children) | $649 |
| Maximum EITC (1 child) | $4,328 |
| Maximum EITC (2 children) | $7,152 |
| Maximum EITC (3+ children) | $8,046 |
| Maximum ACTC (per child under 17) | $1,700 |
| PATH Act Hold Lifted | February 15, 2026 ✅ |
| First Deposits Released | March 2, 2026 ✅ |
| Filing Deadline | April 15, 2026 |
| Paper Checks | Discontinued — direct deposit only |
When Will You Get Your 2026 EITC/ACTC Refund? — Full Updated Schedule
| Filed On | PATH Cleared / Approved | Estimated Direct Deposit | Status |
| Jan 26 – Feb 2 ✅ | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Mar 2 – Mar 6 | ✅ Paid |
| Feb 3 – Feb 9 ✅ | Mar 1 – Mar 8 | Mar 9 – Mar 13 | ✅ Paid |
| Feb 10 – Feb 16 ✅ | Mar 9 – Mar 15 | Mar 16 – Mar 20 | ✅ Paid |
| Feb 17 – Feb 23 ✅ | Mar 16 – Mar 22 | Mar 23 – Mar 27 | ✅ Paid |
| Feb 24 – Mar 1 ✅ | Mar 23 – Mar 29 | Mar 30 – Apr 3 | ✅ Paid |
| Mar 2 – Mar 8 ✅ | Mar 30 – Apr 5 | Apr 6 – Apr 10 | ✅ / In Progress |
| Mar 9 – Mar 15 | Apr 6 – Apr 12 | Apr 13 – Apr 17 | ⏳ Processing |
| Mar 16 – Mar 22 | Apr 13 – Apr 19 | Apr 20 – Apr 24 | ⏳ Processing |
| Mar 23 – Mar 29 | Apr 20 – Apr 26 | Apr 27 – May 1 | ⏳ Upcoming |
| Mar 30 – Apr 5 | Apr 27 – May 3 | May 4 – May 8 | ⏳ Upcoming |
| Apr 6 – Apr 12 | May 4 – May 10 | May 11 – May 15 | ⏳ Upcoming |
| Apr 13 – Apr 15 | May 11 – May 13 | May 18 – May 20 | ⏳ Upcoming |
These are estimates. Actual dates may vary by 2–4 days depending on your bank and any IRS review requirements. Paper filers should add 6–8 weeks from their mailing date.
Still Need to File? You Have Until April 15
If you qualify for EITC or ACTC but haven’t filed yet, do so immediately. Both credits are fully refundable — you can receive the full amount even if you owe no federal taxes. Use IRS Free File if your income is $79,000 or below. Need more time? File Form 4868 by April 15 for an automatic extension to October 15, 2026 (but taxes owed are still due April 15).
How to Check Your 2026 EITC/ACTC Refund Status
- Go to IRS.gov/refunds — Where’s My Refund?
- Enter your SSN/ITIN, tax year 2025, filing status, and exact refund amount.
- Click Submit to see your approval date and projected direct deposit date.
Alternatively, use the IRS2Go app or call 800-829-1954 (24/7).