The 2025 tax filing season has officially kicked off and if you’re claiming a Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), you can expect to wait a little longer for your refund.
That’s because while most filers submitting their returns electronically with the option of direct deposit receive their returns within 21 days, the IRS cannot legally issue EITC or ACTC before mid-February.
This includes the entire refund — not just the portion related to the EITC or ACTC credits.
According to the Internal Revenue Service, depending on several factors, taxpayers claiming a Child Tax Credit (ACTC) or EITC can expect to receive their refunds by March 3.
Some of those factors include whether you filed your return online, whether you chose direct deposit, and whether the IRS found no issues with your return.
While some taxpayers receiving these credits may get their returns back a few days before March 3, other factors can delay your return even further — holiday schedules, for instance.
“Many (financial) institutions don’t process payments on weekends or holidays,“ the IRS said in a statement.
So, if you file early, be aware of federal and local holidays that may affect how soon you get your refund.
The IRS began processing and accepting tax returns on Monday, Jan. 27.
Taxpayers will be able to track their refunds on the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund,” tool by Feb. 22 for most early EITC and ACTC filers.
Who qualifies for Child Tax Credits?
According to the IRS, Child Tax Credits help families with qualifying children get a tax break.
A qualifying child must be your child, stepchild, foster child, brother, sister, step-sibling, or a descendant of one of these.
The child must also not provide more than half of his or her own support for the tax year and have lived with you for more than half the year.
To qualify, the child must also be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or a U.S. resident alien with a Social Security Number that is valid for employment and issued before the due date of your tax return.
For the 2024 fiscal year, the maximum tax credit per qualifying child under 17 is $2,000.
Child Tax Credits decrease in value if your adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 as an individual or $400,000 for Married Filing Jointly.
Who qualifies for Earned Income Tax Credits?
The EITC helps low-to-moderate-income workers and families get a tax break.
Qualifying individuals can use the credit to reduce taxes they own and maybe increase their refund.
The amount filers are eligible for depends on factors such as if you have children, dependents, are disabled or meet other criteria outlined by the IRS.
“If you claim this credit, your refund may be delayed,” the IRS stated in a release.
“By law, we must wait until mid-February to issue refunds to taxpayers who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit.”
For a step-by-step guide on how to apply and view if you’re eligible to claim the credit, check here.
