If you claimed the refundable Additional Child Tax Credit on your 2024 return and expect a refund in 2025, this guide shows practical steps to learn the exact refund day. Follow these instructions to reduce delays and check status quickly.
How the Additional Child Tax Credit 2025 Affects Your Refund
The Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) is the refundable portion of the child tax credit. If your credit exceeds your tax liability, the refundable part becomes a refund that the IRS issues.
For 2025 refunds based on your 2024 return, the ACTC amount appears on your filed Form 1040 and Schedule 8812. That refund follows the IRS processing rules for tax-year refunds.
Where to look on your tax return
- Form 1040: shows total refund amount due.
- Schedule 8812: shows the calculation for the Additional Child Tax Credit.
- Check your e-file confirmation or paper return receipt to confirm the IRS accepted your return.
Get Your Exact Refund Day: Step-by-Step
There is no exact fixed calendar date published for individual refunds, but you can find the precise day the IRS will disburse your refund by following these steps.
1. File early and choose direct deposit
E-file your return and pick direct deposit. Electronic filing plus direct deposit is the fastest and most reliable way to receive an ACTC refund.
Paper returns and mailed checks add days or weeks to delivery time and increase the chance of postal loss or delay.
2. Use IRS tools to check status
- Log in to the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool or the IRS2Go app. It updates daily with three key stages: Return Received, Refund Approved, Refund Sent.
- Create an IRS online account to view notices and more detailed status information.
3. Monitor for identity verification or additional review
If the IRS needs to verify identity, your refund can be held. Respond promptly to any IRS notice and submit requested documents quickly to avoid further delay.
Common requests include proof of dependent status or identity confirmation for first-time filers or changed addresses.
Factors That Can Change Your Additional Child Tax Credit 2025 Refund Day
- Filing method: e-file with direct deposit is fastest.
- Return accuracy: math errors or missing forms slow processing.
- Identity verification: identity checks add time.
- Offsets: past-due federal or state debts, child support, or unpaid student loans can reduce or delay refunds.
- Bank processing: banks may post funds on the business day they receive them; weekends and holidays affect posting.
Special situations to watch
- If you are claiming the ACTC for the first time, expect added review time.
- Amended returns can take 8–12 weeks or more to process.
How to Get an Exact Refund Day Now
While the IRS does not publish a personal calendar date in advance, it does show the exact day once the refund is approved and sent. To get that exact day as soon as possible:
- Check “Where’s My Refund?” 24 hours after IRS accepts your return. It updates daily.
- Create an IRS online account and enable alerts for notices or status changes.
- Call your tax preparer or the IRS if your status does not change in the expected window.
The IRS updates refund status once per day, usually overnight. For e-filed returns with direct deposit, many refunds arrive within about 21 days, but the ACTC can take longer if additional review is required.
Simple Checklist to Speed Your Additional Child Tax Credit 2025 Refund
- File electronically and choose direct deposit.
- Double-check dependent information and Social Security numbers.
- Keep documents handy to respond quickly to IRS requests.
- Monitor the “Where’s My Refund?” tool and your bank account daily once the refund is sent.
Example: Quick Case Study
Case: Maria filed electronically on February 10, 2025. She claimed the Additional Child Tax Credit for two qualifying children and chose direct deposit.
Timeline: The IRS accepted her return on February 11. On February 18, “Where’s My Refund?” showed Refund Approved. The IRS sent the refund on February 19 and her bank posted the deposit on February 20. Maria received the exact refund day by checking the IRS tool and confirming with her bank.
What to Do If Your Refund Is Delayed
If your refund status does not change within 21 days after acceptance, take these steps:
- Check for IRS mail or online messages asking for more information.
- Confirm your bank routing number and account number for direct deposit.
- Call the IRS or contact your tax preparer for help with identity verification or offsets.
Following these practical steps will help you find the exact Additional Child Tax Credit 2025 refund day and reduce the chance of delay. Keep records handy and check the IRS tools daily after your return is accepted to see the precise date the refund is sent.