Why is my tax return saying they can't issue refunds before Feb15 because of additional child tax credit?

[whitneyhale87]

I looked on the IRS website yesterday and it said my refund was received, now I look at it this morning and this is what it says:

According to the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, the IRS cannot issue refunds before February 15 for tax returns that claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit. This applies to the entire refund, even the portion not associated with these credits.

What does this mean?

[DianeW · Accepted solution]

If you are affected by the earned income tax credit (EITC) or the additional child tax credit (ACTC), because of this new tax law to reduce fraud, the IRS is restricted from processing refunds for returns with these credits before February 15th and they say you will probably not receive the refund until February 27th.

• Refund Timing for EITC and ACTC Filers

You can also check the IRS website if you choose.   Let Us Help You - IRS

[re2boys]

They gave you the answer, it's the law passed by Congress.

And the IRS didn't give you the refund yet, they received  your tax return.  Huge difference between receiving a refund and IRS receiving your tax return.

[SweetieJean]

<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3461282-ddd-will-not-be-displayed-til-after-feb-15th-per-the-irs-f...>

[allangonzalez06]

I received the same notice.  However, PATH and ACTC doesn't apply to me. Not sure whats going on

[re2boys]

@allangonzalez06   EITC apply to you?