By: The Black Inc Tax Services Team
The 2026 tax filing season is officially open, and many early filers are checking their bank accounts daily. If you filed in January but haven’t seen a deposit yet, you might be asking: “Where is my money?”
If you see a “Processing” status on the IRS tracker, don’t panic. You are likely caught in the mandatory PATH Act Freeze.
What is the PATH Act?
Passed by Congress to combat identity theft, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act legally prohibits the IRS from releasing refunds before mid-February for any tax return that claims:
- The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- The Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)
Even if your return was accepted immediately, the IRS computer systems are programmed to hold your check. This gives the agency extra time to verify income statements against employer records and ensure fraudulent returns aren’t paying out billions to scammers.
When Will I Get My Money?
According to the IRS official announcement, the freeze lifts on February 15th. However, that doesn’t mean the money appears instantly.
Expected Timeline: Most taxpayers affected by the PATH Act will see funds in their bank accounts or on debit cards starting February 27, 2026, provided there are no other issues with the return.
How to Check Your Status
Do not call the IRS (their phone lines are jammed). The most accurate way to track your refund is the official “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
- 🔗 IRS Link: Check your status on IRS.gov
Still waiting? If you haven’t received your refund by the first week of March, contact Black Inc Tax Services so we can investigate the status of your return.