The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set April 15, 2026 as the deadline for most US taxpayers to file their federal income tax returns. Missing this date can trigger a number of consequences, including late filing penalties, interest on unpaid taxes and, in some cases, losing your right to a tax refund.
While taxpayers can request an extension to file, it does not extend the deadline to pay any taxes owed, which must be paid by the April deadline to avoid additional fees. The 2026 registration season opened on January 26.
Meanwhile, first-time filers expecting a “very large refund” in 2026 may have to wait a little longer than planned if they claim these two tax breaks. According to the IRS, refunds associated with the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) will not be released until mid-February, The Hill reported.
Why are these two refunds delayed?
The delayed distribution is part of the Protecting Americans from Higher Taxes (PATH Act) Act of 2015. The report also said the measure is aimed at preventing fraud.
“Criminal tax fraud has been on the rise recently, and to protect your refund, the IRS has adopted a policy of not releasing refunds until after February 15,” H&R Block advises on its website. “This gives the IRS time to stop issuing payments on all false filings under your identity, thus protecting your refund.”
At the same time, the IRS recommends that taxpayers check their refund status in mid-to-late February by going to the “Where’s My Refund Tool,” which will allow them to get a personalized refund date.
How to Speed Up Your IRS Refund?
As the report states, not only tax credits but the entire return will be delayed for qualifying and timely filers. However, there are several ways they can speed up their refunds as early as March 2, 2026. Here’s what to do:
— File your return online
— Choose your refund by direct deposit
— Ensure returns are flawless for a smooth process
What are the EITC and ACTC?
The Earned Income Tax Credit aims to reduce the tax burden on low- and moderate-income citizens and their families. To qualify for the EITC, a worker must have less than $11,950 in investment income and earn less than a specified level of income from their job.
If the worker is single and has no children, their income must be $19,104 or less. Spouses filing jointly with three or more children must earn $68,675 or less. To find out if your household qualifies for the credit, you can get help from the EITC Assistant online tool.
The maximum amount of the credit for eligible taxpayers with three or more eligible children is $8,046 for the 2025 tax year.
Meanwhile, the additional child tax credit is the refundable portion of the $1,700 child tax credit. To claim the ACTC, an individual must have income of at least $2,500 for the tax year.