Why is the IRS not issuing refunds untill mid February?

[Texas Roger · Accepted solution]

Some refunds are already being issued. If a return has EITC or Additional Child Tax Credit on it, the IRS is prohibited by law from issuing refunds for those returns until after mid February.

[DavidD66]

It's important to note that not ALL tax returns are being delayed. Only tax returns that have the following tax credits are being held:

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
• Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)

These are likely the most common tax credits taken by criminals, since they are what's known as Refundable Tax Credits. That means, even if you owe no taxes because of low or moderate income, you could still receive a refund for these tax credits.

If you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit on your tax return, the IRS can't issue a refund before February 15. The IRS expects most EITC and ACTC refunds to be available in bank accounts by the first week of March if the taxpayer chooses direct deposit.