The 2026 tax season is just two months away, and Americans who are preparing to claim the ACTC and EITC tax credits to have some tax relief must check the refund dates, as they will be delayed. The article covers the ACTC/EITC refund date for the 2026 tax season and other information.
The IRS offers tax relief through refundable tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit. Taxpayers who claim the refundable credit receive the credit with their tax refunds based on the number of children.
EITC and ACTC eligibility depend on different factors; hence, the credit amount can be different. The EITC and ACTC refunds are processed a little late due to the PATH Act restriction to give the IRS enough time to review and process credit claims.
When can you expect the 2026 ACTC/EITC refund?
The IRS processes the ACTC and EITC refund along with the tax refund. Early taxpayers can expect their refund to be delayed till the PATH Act restriction. The law restricts the agency to not processing the ACTC/ EITC claims until mid-February of the tax season.
The restriction was applicable to reduce credit scams, review the claims, and ensure only eligible people receive the benefit. So, if you are planning to claim the tax credits – ACTC/ EITC, you can expect your refund payment dates on the following dates:
- As the payment will only process after 15 February, if you have filed early and selected direct deposit, you can expect the payment in a week, so by the last week of February, you can expect the refund.
- The Trump Administration has ended the physical check disbursement, so maybe in the 2026 tax season, you will not have the choice of the physical check. However, if it were available, you can expect the EITC/ACTC refund by the first week of March 2026.
How much ACTC/ EITC refund can you expect for the 2025 tax year?
The IRS has adjusted tax credits and laws based on inflation in the yearly adjustment for the 2025 tax year; however, the government’s new bill, One Big Beautiful Bill, has also brought some tax changes for taxpayers.
Based on the OBBBA and the yearly adjustment, here’s what ACTC and EITC credit you can expect for the 2025 tax year:
- ACTC: The ACTC is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit that allows certain CTC-eligible taxpayers to receive the refund. The OBBBA bill has increased the CTC to $2,200, whereas the ACTC remains the same for the taxpayers, that is, $1700.
- EITC: The EITC refund amount depends on the number of children if you qualify for the credit. Here you can check the EITC refund amount for the 2025 tax year:
| Number of Children | EITC refund amount |
| Zero | $649 |
| One | $4,328 |
| Two | $7,152 |
| Three or more | $8,046 |
Who can claim the ACTC & EITC refund?
Taxpayers who wish to claim the ACTC and EITC refund for the 2025 tax year must meet the following eligibility conditions:
- EITC:
- You must be a US citizen or resident alien and have a valid Social Security number.
- The child must be living with you if you are claiming EITC with the qualifying child.
- Your investment income must be under the threshold, that is, $11,950 or less for the 2025 tax year.
- The income threshold for the EITC 2025 tax year depends on the number of children and filing status, such as:
| Number of Children | Single, head of household, or married filing tax return separately | Married filing tax return jointly |
| Zero | $19,104 | $26,214 |
| One | $50,434 | $57,554 |
| Two | $57,310 | $64,430 |
| Three or more | $61,555 | $68,675 |
- ACTC:
- The child must be dependent on you for the tax years, and the age should be under 17.
- The child must be a US citizen/US national/US resident Alien and have a valid SSN.
- The child must be living with you for at least half a year and has not filed any tax return or claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return.
- The child must be related to you with relations, such as son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, half-brother/sister, grandkid, or descendant of your family.
How can you track your ACTC/EITC refund?
When you claim the ACTC and EITC credit with your 2026 tax return, you can track the refund in the following steps at the Where’s My Refund tool and estimate the payment date:
- Visit the IRS official website or the IRS2Go app and click the get refund status option.
- You will land on the Where’s My Refund tool page and click the “Check your Refund” option.
- Now, enter your tax year, refund amount, filing status, and SSN, and submit it to see the tax refund status.
With this tool, you will know if your return is processed, the refund amount is approved, and when the agency processes your refund.
The 2026 tax season is approaching fast. If you wish to claim tax credits like EITC and ACTC, prepare for the claim and gather all the needed documents for a valid claim.
Disclaimer: 2026 ACTC & EITC refund date details are for general awareness only. Official timelines are determined by the IRS.
