Some Refunds Delayed in 2017

Due to changes in the law, starting in 2017, the IRS can’t issue refunds before Feb. 15, 2017, for returns that claim the Earned Income Credit (EIC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). This applies to the entire refund, not just the portion associated with these credits. As in past years, the IRS will begin accepting and processing tax returns once the filing season begins. All taxpayers should file as usual, and tax return preparers should also submit returns as they normally do. Even though the IRS cannot issue refunds for some early filers until at least Feb. 15, the IRS reminds taxpayers that most refunds will still be issued within the normal timeframe: 21 days or less, after being accepted for processing by the IRS.

UPDATE 01-16-2017

Many EITC filers will get their refunds later than in past years. That’s because a new law requires the IRS, starting in 2017, to hold refunds claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit EITC and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) until mid-February. This applies to the entire refund, not just the portion associated with these credits. As in past years, the IRS will begin accepting and processing tax returns once the filing season begins. The IRS cautions EITC and ACTC recipients that these refunds likely will not start arriving in bank accounts or on debit cards until the week of Feb. 27. Taxpayers claiming the EITC or ACTC should file as soon as they have all of the necessary documentation together to prepare an accurate return. In other words, all taxpayers should file as usual, and tax return preparers should also submit returns as they normally do.

Even though the IRS cannot issue refunds for some early filers until later, the IRS reminds taxpayers that most refunds will still be issued within the normal timeframe: 21 days or less, after being accepted for processing by the IRS.