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Refund Watch

Where is my refund? PATH Act might delay it. What you need to know.

Updated on: January 30, 2024

If you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the IRS puts a hold on your refund for a special review to make sure you are reporting these credits correctly. We know how important tax refunds are to you and your family, and we want you to be the first to know when the IRS will start processing your refund.

What we know right now

The holds the IRS puts on your return are part of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act. The IRS website and app will be updated for most filers by February 17—including expected refund dates for most early filers with the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).
Unlike last year, PATH Act funding will come in one batch this year.

IRS refund schedule 2023

Typically, the IRS will fund most refunds in 21 days or less. But the IRS does not guarantee a certain date, so don’t spend the money until you receive it. Some returns may take longer. You can check your refund's status by using Where's My Refund? on the IRS website.

Expected timing for PATH Act funding

Date	Day	What we expect
2/15	Thu	IRS will begin processing returns, but not funding refunds. The U.S. Treasury typically does not fund on the first possible day.
2/16	Fri	The IRS starts funding! Get your refund faster¹ when you file with Jackson Hewitt and choose to have it deposited on a Serve^® American Express^® card.
2/17-2/18	Sat-Sun	No refunds sent on weekend days. IRS Where’s My Refund? app updated with information on PATH funding refunds
2/19	Mon	No refunds sent on President’s Day Holiday.
By 2/27	Tues	Most PATH funding refunds are expected to be deposited. Mailed refunds can take 4-6 weeks or longer, based on the mail system.

¹Faster access compared to standard tax refund electronic deposit and subject to the IRS submitting refund information to the bank before release date. The IRS may not submit refund information early.

Estimated processing times between U.S. Treasury funding and when you get your money

American Express Serve® Card. Very fast, usually within 24 hours and up to 2 days faster than other methods
Direct deposit to other cards or bank account. Typically, 2-5 business days, but depends on the bank
Republic Bank paper check. Typically delivered to address on your return within 5-7 business days

File now at Jackson Hewitt for a tax refund advance²

Did you know that you don’t have to wait for the IRS to start cashing in on your tax refund? When you file your taxes early with Jackson Hewitt, you have the opportunity to take advantage of a No Fee Refund Advance loan. If you’re approved for the loan, you could leave with money on a prepaid card the same day.³ The best part? Your loan will be automatically repaid from your tax refund, so you won’t have to worry about a thing.

Not ready to file yet? You could still walk out with some money today if you’re approved for an Early Refund Advance loan. All you need to apply is your paystub.

Check back for updates

Bookmark this page, and we’ll keep you up to date. Haven’t filed? Find your nearest location. and let’s get you set up for your biggest refund possible.

²Early Refund Advance available to individuals who apply for a No Fee Refund Advance. No Fee Refund Advance application requires ﬁling your taxes with Jackson Hewitt, beginning January 2. 

³The Early Refund Advance loan (“ERA”) and No Fee Refund Advance loan (“NFRA”) are optional tax refund related loans (not the actual tax refund secured by and paid back with your tax refund.) The loans are provided by Republic Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC, to eligible taxpayers at participating locations for a limited time. Loan amounts are determined by your expected Federal refund less authorized fees and underwriting. The amount of the loan(s) and applicable Finance Charges will be deducted from your tax refund and reduce the amount that is disbursed directly to you. Tax returns may be filed electronically without applying for either loan. Loans subject to underwriting and approval. Loan proceeds available within same day of approval if disbursed on a prepaid card offered at Jackson Hewitt offices or in 1-5 business days with direct deposit. Jackson Hewitt is a Rhode Island Licensed Loan Broker and holds other relevant licenses for the locations where these products are offered. Most offices are independently owned and operated. Finance Charges are not applicable in all locations. Terms and restrictions apply. Ask a tax pro for more info about the cost and timing of all filing and product options.  

Early Refund Advance: To be eligible for the $1,000 ERA, your expected Federal refund less authorized fees must be at least $2,600 and you must also apply for a NFRA between 12/11/23-1/14/24. If approved, loan amounts are $100, $300, $500, and $1,000 with a Finance Charge. 

No Fee Refund Advance: To be eligible for the $6,500 NFRA, your expected Federal refund less authorized fees must be at least $6,600. Loan amounts are $250, $500, $750, $1000, $1500, $2500, $3500, $4500, and $6500. The NFRA has no fee but requires filing your taxes with Jackson Hewitt. Available from 1/2/24 through 2/11/24. 

Frequently asked questions

Many different factors can affect the timing of your refund after we receive your return. Even though the Treasury issues most refunds in less than 21 days, it’s possible your refund may take longer. Also, remember to take into consideration the time it takes for your financial institution to post the refund to your account or for you to receive it by mail.

According to the PATH Act, the IRS cannot issue EITC and ACTC refunds before mid-February. The IRS expects most EITC/ACTC related refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards by February 27, if they chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with their tax return. However, some taxpayers may see their refunds a few days earlier. Check Where’s My Refund for your personalized refund date.

Where’s My Refund? on IRS.gov https://www.irs.gov/refunds and the IRS2Go mobile app https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp remain the best way to check the status of a refund.

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