Why is my child tax credit not showing on my refund today?

Asked by: Bernadine Smitham  |  Last update: October 16, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (21 votes)

If your Child Tax Credit (CTC) is not showing, it is likely due to IRS processing delays for returns with credits, or the credit was used to offset taxes owed rather than increasing your refund. By law, the IRS holds refunds with the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) or EITC until mid-February, with many expecting funds by early March.

Are refunds with CTC delayed?

In particular, taxpayers with the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and a few other credits generally have their refunds delayed by about one month while the IRS confirms eligibility for these credits.

What time do the IRS normally send the child credit?

If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), you can expect to get your refund by March 3 if: You file your return online. You choose to get your refund by direct deposit.

Why didn't I get my CCB payment?

If you don't receive your CCB payment on the expected payment date, before you contact us, you can: Check the status of your payment in your CRA account. Make sure your personal information is up to date. Check other reasons for stopped or changed payments.

What day will they start releasing tax refunds with child tax credit?

You claimed tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit and it is before mid-February. The IRS does not begin releasing refunds with these credits until mid-February.

🚨 $2,200 Child Tax Credit in 2025: NEW RULES, Who Qualifies and How to Get Your Refund

33 related questions found

How long does it take to get your tax refund direct deposit with Child Tax Credit?

21 days or less is a typical estimated timeline, according to the IRS, to receive your refund if you e-filed and chose direct deposit.

Did the IRS up the Child Tax Credit?

The Child Tax Credit 2025 rate slightly increased to $2,200 per child, and the new Child Tax Credit increase 2025 offers taxpayers $1,700 in related refundable credits.

Why have I not received my child tax credit payment?

Even though child tax credit payments are scheduled to arrive on certain dates, you may not have gotten the money as expected for a few reasons. The IRS may not have an up-to-date mailing address or banking information for you.

Which country pays the highest child benefit?

In general, family benefits per person are highest in Northern and Western Europe, and lowest in the South and East. After Luxembourg, Nordic countries top the list: Norway (€2,277), Denmark (€1,878), Iceland (€1,874), Sweden (€1,449), and Finland (€1,440).

Why does a Child Tax Credit take so long?

A non-refundable credit can only reduce the taxes you pay, not give you free money.) It is this Additional Child Tax Credit that delays a refund. By law, the IRS has to hold on to those refunds until mid-February to give them more time to check for fraud.

What is the payment schedule for the federal Child Tax Credit?

Starting in July, most families with children will get child tax credit payments in their bank account. People who receive payments by direct deposit will get their first payment by July 15 and payments will go out on the 15th of the month each month after that until the end of 2021.

What days of the week does the IRS approve refunds?

The IRS only updates your refund status information once per week on Wednesdays. If you e-file your tax return, wait at least 72 hours from the date the IRS confirms receipt of your return before checking your refund status, and at least three weeks if you mail the return instead.

How do I know if my tax return has been flagged?

If the IRS decides that your return merits a second glance, you'll be issued a CP05 Notice 1 . This notice lets you know that your return is being reviewed to verify any or all of the following: Your income. Your tax withholding.

Should I be worried if my refund is delayed?

While Tax Topic 152 can indicate possible delays, it does not mean there is a problem with your tax return. Several factors can influence the processing time, including the need for additional review, discrepancies in the information provided, or high volumes of returns being processed.

Which country has the happiest kids?

Amsterdam in the Netherlands. These kinds of comings and goings aren't unique to their family. Many Dutch children enjoy a freedom of movement that most American kids don't, which might be the key to why Dutch kids are the happiest kids in the world, according to a 2025 UNICEF report.

Do non-US citizens have to pay child support?

Immigration status does not impact a parent's obligation to provide child support, meaning that even non-US citizens can be legally bound to pay for the financial needs of their children.

Who is best to claim child benefit?

Either of you can claim Child Benefit. If one of you isn't working, it's best for them to make the claim. This is because they'll get National Insurance contributions which will improve their state pension amount.

Why is my child tax credit not showing on my refund?

The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is dependent on several factors including the age of the child and the income of the taxpayer claiming the child.

Are child tax credits delayed?

If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the IRS cannot issue these refunds before mid-February. This applies to the entire refund, even the portion not associated with these credits. Check Where's My Refund in mid-to late February for your personalized refund date.

Is the IRS sending $3000 tax refunds in June 2025 check eligibility and schedule?

Is the IRS Sending $3,000 Refunds in June 2025? There is no IRS statement that says taxpayers will receive $3,000 payments specifically in June 2025. Any June refunds would apply only to those filing late, filing amended returns, or receiving delayed refunds due to verification issues.

When can I expect my child tax credit?

These payments will begin on July 15, 2021, and families can expect their benefit to be direct deposited into their bank accounts on the 15th of each ensuing month. When you file your taxes in 2022, you will receive a lump sum payment to make up the balance of your total benefit.

What is the new update for the child tax credit?

For the 2025 tax year, the CTC is seeing changes as part of President Donald Trump's tax and spending bill, often referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill. The legislation, enacted on July 4, 2025, increases the maximum credit from $2,000 to $2,200 per child and indexes the amount to inflation.