Refun delay

[Kimray2007]

So I filed turbo tax last year with EIC I paid the extra $35to get refund  5 days early. I got my refund in 3 days. This year same thing I filed with EIC paid the $35 everything accepted then today I received and email from turbo tax that the irs is holding any return with EIC until Feb. so what’s changed between last year and this year and why did they make me pay the extra $35 to get it early if I am getting it later? Can someone e explain?

[mesquitebean]

Every year the IRS has to follow the PATH Act which prevents them from issuing refunds that have EIC or the ACTC until after February 15, which means people with those credits should get their refund by March 2, but it can be earlier.  See this IRS article:

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/when-to-expect-your-refu...

The "up to 5 day early" offer means up to 5 days earlier from the time the IRS approves the Federal refund until delivery.

There is an example in the offer information here:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-refund-advance/turbotaxs-five-days-e...

If you paid $35 to have the "up to 5-day early" option deposited into your preferred bank account, TurboTax says in that same article:

"You will only be charged a fee if your refund is delivered at least 1 day early."