The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released the anticipated refund dates for taxpayers who have claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) in their tax returns. Taxpayers across the United States can now plan their finances accordingly as they await their refunds.

According to IRS guidelines, taxpayers who have filed for a return in the early stages and had their refunds approved by January 29, 2024, can expect their refunds to be sent as early as February 27, 2024. However, the refund process varies depending on whether the taxpayer has opted for direct deposit or a paper check.

For those who opted for direct deposit, refunds will be sent between February 27 and March 3, 2024, if their returns were approved by January 29. Similarly, paper checks will be mailed out between March 5 and March 9, 2024, for the same group of taxpayers.

The IRS has provided a schedule detailing the refund dates based on the approval date of the tax return:

• For returns approved on February 5, 2024, direct deposits will be sent between March 4 and March 8, 2024, with paper checks mailed between March 12 and March 16, 2024.
• Taxpayers whose returns are approved on February 12, 2024, can expect direct deposits between March 11 and March 15, 2024, and paper checks between March 18 and March 22, 2024.

This schedule continues through March and April, with refunds processed based on the approval date of the tax return.

Taxpayers who have e-filed their returns should note that it typically takes 5 to 7 days for direct deposit refunds to reflect in their bank accounts, while paper checks are received within 10 to 14 days.

To track the status of their ACTC/EITC refunds, taxpayers can use the IRS’s ‘Where’s My Refund’ tool or the ‘IRS2GO’ mobile application. By providing details such as Social Security Number, Tax Year, Refund Amount, and Filing Status, taxpayers can stay updated on the progress of their refunds.

In case of delays beyond the anticipated refund dates, taxpayers are advised to contact the IRS for assistance. Delays may occur, particularly for paper check refunds, which could take an additional one week to 10 days.

Taxpayers are reminded to be vigilant against potential scams and to only provide personal information through official IRS channels.

As taxpayers eagerly await their refunds, the IRS remains committed to processing returns efficiently and ensuring that eligible individuals receive their refunds in a timely manner.