01/22/2026
📣PATH ACT REFUND UPDATE for 2026 📣
The IRS has officially announced that tax season opens on Monday, January 26, 2026! 🗓️
If you’re claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), there’s a specific timeline you need to know about to avoid delays.
The Important Dates:
• Jan 26: IRS begins accepting and processing returns.( some returns may have been accepted before this date due to IRS initial HubTesting)
• Feb 15: By law (the PATH Act), the IRS cannot release refunds for EITC/ACTC filers before this date.
• Feb 25: This is the estimated date the first batch of PATH Act refunds will hit bank accounts for those who filed early and chose Direct Deposit. 💸
🧾 PATH Act applies to returns claiming:
• Earned Income Credit (EIC)
• Child Tax Credit (CTC / ACTC)
No exceptions this is federal law.