Refund Checks Could Arrive in March, According to the IRS: What You Need to Know

IRS Refunds Could Be Delayed Until March

Processing Depends on the IRS

Direct Deposit May Take Time

Millions of taxpayers look forward to refund season each year as a financial relief. This year, the IRS released important information for those who claimed certain credits.

If you requested the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), you could receive your money before March 2. However, specific conditions must be met under the IRS refund 2026 schedule.

You must have filed your return electronically. It is also necessary to choose direct deposit as your payment method.

Additionally, your return must be free of errors and not require further review. Meeting these requirements helps speed up the process.

How to Check the Status of Your IRS Refund 2026

Some taxpayers may even see their money a few days before March. It all depends on the individual processing of each case.

The Internal Revenue Service recommends using the online tool “Where’s My Refund?” There, you can check your personalized estimated refund date as part of the IRS refund 2026 schedule.

“The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one of the main federal tax credits in the United States specifically designed for low- and moderate-income workers. It is fully refundable…”

— Nivia TeamVales (@NiviaUSACuba) January 16, 2026

Most early EITC or ACTC filers should see updates around February 21. However, your bank also plays a role in the final timing.

Many financial institutions do not process payments on weekends or holidays, which may delay when the funds become available.

IRS Refund Checks Could Arrive in March: What You Need to Know – PHOTO: Shutterstock

Who Qualifies for the EITC?

The Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable credit designed for low- to moderate-income workers. This means you may receive money even if you owe no taxes.

To qualify, you must have earned income within the limits established by the IRS. The more qualifying children you have, the higher the allowable income limit.

January 30 to February 6 is California Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Week (CalEITC)! You may qualify for hundreds or even thousands of dollars…

Visit https://t.co/tUmimo2hcy #CalEITC pic.twitter.com/3enFwlsmbX

— California FTB (@CalFTB) February 2, 2026

If you do not have children, you must be between 25 and 64 years old and not a full-time student. You must also meet Social Security and immigration status requirements.

In tax year 2024, more than 24 million workers received approximately $70 billion in EITC benefits. The national average was $2,894 per recipient.

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IRS Refund Checks Could Arrive in March: What You Need to Know – PHOTO: Shutterstock

Income Limits and Credit Amounts

Income limits vary depending on the number of children and filing status. For example, a single taxpayer without children can earn up to $19,104 and still qualify.

With one child, the limit increases to $50,434, and with two children, it rises to $57,310. For three or more children, the cap is even higher.

For joint returns, the limits are higher, starting at $26,214 without children. This allows more families to access the benefit under the IRS refund 2026 schedule.

The maximum credit amount also depends on the number of children. It can range from $649 with no children to $8,046 with three or more.

For many working families, this refund represents significant annual budget relief. Reviewing eligibility requirements and timelines can make a difference in when you receive your money.