The IRS issues refundable Child Tax Credit money in two windows: advance payments that ended in December 2021, and refunds tied to your 2024 tax return filed in early 2025

If you received advance Child Tax Credit payments in 2021, those stopped. The refundable portion of your 2024 Child Tax Credit — the money the IRS owes you rather than money you owe them — arrives when you file your 2024 tax return and the IRS processes it, typically between late January and mid-April 2025. The exact timing depends on when you file, which method you use, and whether the IRS needs to verify information on your return.

The Child Tax Credit itself is $2,000 per may have access to child under 17 for the 2024 tax year. The refundable portion — called the Additional Child Tax Credit — is the part you can get back as a refund even if you owe no tax. How much of your $2,000 credit is refundable depends on your income and filing status. The IRS calculates this when it processes your return.

Key Takeaways

  • The refundable Child Tax Credit arrives as part of your tax refund after you file your 2024 return, not as a separate payment.
  • E-filed returns with direct deposit typically process within 21 days; paper returns take longer and may not arrive until April.
  • You must claim the credit on your 2024 Form 1040 and Schedule 8812 to receive the refundable portion.
  • If you received advance payments in 2021, you may owe back some of that money depending on your 2024 income, which the IRS reconciles when processing your return.

How the refund arrives: direct deposit vs. check

The IRS processes returns in the order they are received. If you file electronically with direct deposit, the refund — including any refundable Child Tax Credit — typically arrives within 21 days of acceptance. If you file by mail or request a paper check, allow 4 to 6 weeks from the date the IRS receives your return.

You can track your refund status using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov, which updates once per day. The tool shows your refund status and expected arrival date once the IRS has processed your return. Direct deposit is faster and more reliable than a mailed check.

Filing important date and when returns are processed

The 2024 tax filing important date is April 15, 2025. Returns filed in January and early February are processed first, so refunds for those filers typically arrive by mid-March. Returns filed closer to the important date are processed later; refunds for April filers may not arrive until late April or early May.

If you need the refund sooner, filing as early as possible — in late January or early February — gives you the best chance of receiving it by mid-March. The IRS cannot process returns before January 24, 2025, even if you file earlier.

What happens if you received advance payments in 2021

The advance Child Tax Credit program ran from July through December 2021 and sent monthly payments to families who had filed a 2020 return or registered with the IRS. Those payments stopped in January 2022 and have not resumed. When you file your 2024 return, the IRS reconciles those 2021 payments against your actual 2024 credit may be able to access.

If your 2024 income is higher than your 2021 income, you may owe back some or all of the advance payments you received. The IRS will reduce your refund by that amount. If your income is lower, you may be owed additional credit. You cannot avoid this reconciliation — it happens automatically when the IRS processes your return.

Claiming the refundable portion on your return

To receive the refundable Child Tax Credit, you must file a complete 2024 tax return even if you have no tax liability. You claim the credit on Form 1040 (line 19) and use Schedule 8812 to calculate how much is refundable based on your earned income.

The refundable amount is limited to 15% of your earned income above $2,500. For example, if you earned $20,000, your refundable credit is capped at 15% of $17,500, or $2,625. However, the full $2,000 per child credit may still reduce your tax liability dollar-for-dollar before the refundable limit applies. A tax professional or free tax software can calculate this correctly for your situation.

Delays and reasons your refund may arrive late

The IRS processes most returns within 21 days, but some take longer. Common reasons for delays include missing information (like a Social Security number mismatch), unreported income, or a return that triggers additional verification. If the IRS needs more information, it will mail you a notice — watch for mail from the IRS.

Returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit are subject to a mandatory 15-day hold under federal law, even if the return is error-free. This means refunds for these credits cannot be issued before February 15, 2025, regardless of when you file. Plan accordingly if you need the money by a specific date.

What to do if your refund does not arrive on time

If your refund does not arrive within 21 days of acceptance (for e-filed returns) or 6 weeks of mailing (for paper returns), use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool to check the status. If the tool shows "still being processed," wait a few more days before contacting the IRS.

If the tool shows an error or the IRS has requested information, respond promptly to any notice you receive. If you believe there is a genuine problem, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (have your return handy). Processing delays of 60 to 90 days are not uncommon during peak filing season, especially for returns claiming refundable credits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my Child Tax Credit refund before I file my full tax return?

No. The refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit is only issued when you file your complete 2024 tax return and the IRS processes it. There is no separate process or advance payment program for 2024.

What if I did not receive all the advance payments in 2021?

When you file your 2024 return, the IRS will reconcile all advance payments you received against your 2024 credit. If you received fewer payments than you were owed, you may be owed additional credit on your 2024 return. If you received more, you may owe back the difference.

Do I have to file a return to get the refundable Child Tax Credit?

Yes. You must file a 2024 tax return to claim the credit and receive the refundable portion. Even if you have no income tax liability, filing is required to access the refundable credit.

Is the Child Tax Credit refund separate from my other refund?

No. The refundable Child Tax Credit is calculated as part of your overall tax return and included in your total refund amount. You receive one refund check or direct deposit that includes all credits and withholdings owed to you.