As of this year, the IRS has lifted the PATH Act hold for 2026, which previously delayed tax refunds for taxpayers claiming certain credits. With the hold removed, refunds are now being processed on schedule. Here’s what you need to know about when to expect your refund and answers to common questions.
What is the PATH Act?
The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, passed in 2015, still affects tax refunds in 2026. Most notably, the PATH Act states that the IRS has to hold the entire refund of taxpayers who claim either the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). Refunds for these credits are held until after February 15th so the IRS can verify claims and prevent fraud. If your refund hasn’t arrived yet, don’t worry—it’s on the way!
When will I receive my tax refund if I claimed the ACTC or EITC?
If you have claimed the ACTC or EITC, the IRS states that the earliest you can receive your refund is by February 28th if you chose direct deposit and there were no issues with your return. If you chose to have a paper check mailed to you, then it could take up to five weeks for your refund to arrive. The IRS does not guarantee an exact date for when your refund will be available, however, as processing times can vary depending on how it is filed. If you haven’t received your refund by the expected date and need assistance, the IRS recommends that you contact them directly or use their online resources.
How can I check the status of my tax refund?
The most popular option for checking the status of your refund is the IRS website using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. Here, you can enter your Social Security Number, filing status, and exact refund amount. You will then be provided with an estimated time frame for when the refund may be issued, as well as any other relevant information. If you don’t have any access to the internet, you can also check the status of your refund with the IRS Refund Hotline at 1-800-829-1954. No matter which option you choose to check the status of your tax refund, it’s important to remember to be patient.
What are some reasons why an individual may not get their tax refund?
An individual may not get their tax refund for a variety of reasons. For example, if an individual’s return contains errors, the IRS may not be able to process it. Also, if the filer does not include the correct banking information or Social Security Number, the refund cannot be issued. Furthermore, if the filer has outstanding debt such as student loans or child support arrears, the IRS may apply the refund amount to that debt. It is also possible that a filer’s return was selected for an audit, which could delay the processing of their return. Understanding these reasons is very beneficial when filing your taxes.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a few factors that could affect when or how much money you will receive from your 2023 tax refund, especially the PATH Act. However, it’s worth noting that any additional questions you may have can be answered by speaking with a tax professional. If you haven’t filed your tax return yet and need assistance, we invite you to start your return with Jacobwise!
At Jacobwise & Co, we provide tax preparation, bookkeeping, and advisory services for individuals and small businesses across multiple states. Our approach focuses on clarity, compliance, and proactive planning so clients can make confident financial decisions year-round.
Book an appointment with our team →book.jacobwiseco.com