India, Feb. 27 -- Tax season is moving fast but millions of Americans are still waiting for their 2026 tax refund. The IRS began accepting 2025 tax year returns on January 26. For most people who filed electronically and chose direct deposit then their refunds are expected within 21 days of the IRS accepting the return.

Many early filers are now in their expected payment window. However, taxpayers who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) are experiencing delays due to the PATH Act. Under this federal law, the IRS must hold these refunds until at least mid-February, regardless of how early the return was submitted.

The IRS has confirmed that most refunds connected to EITC and ACTC claims s...