Why does it take all this extra time simply because my return has a small earned income credit on it of less than $300?

[ErinH · Accepted solution]

Per the IRS: "If you claim the EITC or ACTC on your tax return (for any amount), the IRS cannot issue your refund before mid-February. The law requires the IRS to hold the entire refund — even the portion not associated with the EITC or ACTC. Like previous years, some tax refunds may be held if there are questions about the tax return or the IRS needs more information."

"The IRS expects the earliest EITC/ACTC related refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or debit cards starting February 27, 2018, if these taxpayers chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with their tax return."

You can review this information on the IRS website here: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/refund-timing