The IRS closed the 2025 tax season window for filers on 15 April 2025, however, people who have filed for the six-month extension before or on the tax day can still file their return. The last day to file the 2024 tax returns for US residents with an IRS extension is 15 October 2025.
The extension permits taxpayers who couldn’t file the tax return before the tax day to file it within the next six-month period. However, extension doesn’t allow late tax payment, the taxpayer must pay the taxes before the deadline in order to avoid penalties or interest on the unpaid taxes.
Now, many taxpayers who have applied for the extension and plan to claim the refundable credit, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), with their tax returns are anticipating their tax refund payday. Typically, the IRS has PATH Act restrictions on EITC claims for early filers only, but afterwards, the agency follows the standard timeline for the refund processing.
| Extension Period | Six month |
| IRS tax extension deadline | 15 October 2025 |
| EITC Tax Refund Payout | Up to $7830 |
| Payment Schedule | Same as Standard IRS refund payment processing |
| How to claim? | Tax Return with Schedular EIC |
| Track Status | Where’s My Refund |
| Official Website | https://www.irs.gov/ |
Extension Refund Schedule
The Internal Revenue Service processes the tax refund with EITC/ ACTC claims late for the early filers due to the PATH Act restrictions. At the start of the tax season, the EITC claimed taxpayers received their refund with credit on 03 March 2025 onwards, due to the limitation till 15 February 2025.
However, after the PATH Act restriction time has passed, the agency generally processes the claims in standard time. So, if the taxpayers have applied for the extension, they can expect their EITC extension refund based on the following schedule, depending on their tax return filing interval:
- If you have e-filed the tax return with direct deposit, you can expect the refund to be processed by the agency in 3 to 4 weeks after filing.
- If you have e-filed with a paper check, you can expect the EITC refund in a month or two, depending on your mailing service.
- If you have filed a paper check with a physical check, you can expect the EITC refund in 2 to 3 months from the day your return is accepted.
- If you have filed a return via paper check with direct deposit, you can expect the EITC refund within 5 to 6 weeks of filing the return.
How to track?
The taxpayers who have applied for the tax extension for filing the 2024 tax year return can track their tax refund via the Where’s My Refund online service or feature on the mobile application whenever they file the tax return in the six-month extension period.
Taxpayers would need their Social Security Number or ITIN, tax year, refund amount, and their filing status to track the EITC refund status through the respective tool. Taxpayers can follow the steps below to check their EITC extension refund:
- Click the IRS official website mentioned in the table above or the IRS2Go app.
- Next, click the “ Get your Refund status” option on the webpage.
- Now, click the “Check Your Refund” option in blue, and on the new page, enter your SSN or ITIN and other information.
- Once you click the submit button, the agency will display your EITC or tax refund status for the tax year.
The tool tells the status at three stages: first, when your return is received, second, when your refund amount is approved, and last, when the refund is sent. If you see the Refund sent status, you can expect your EITC refund in your bank account in five business days, or a physical check in some weeks.
How much?
The EITC credit amount for the 2024 tax year depends on the eligible taxpayer’s adjusted gross income, filing status, and the number of children in the household. Hence, the credit amount may vary for taxpayers; however, based on the 2024 tax year indexation, the maximum credit amount for the EITC is:
| No. of Qualifying Children | Max. Credit AMount |
| No Child | $632 |
| 01 Child | $4213 |
| 02 kids | $6960 |
| 03 or more kids | $7830 |
How to claim?
The taxpayers who have filed for the IRS tax extension can claim the EITC refund with their tax return in the following steps:
- First, you should determine if you have the qualifying children for the credit and meet the income criteria of the credit.
- Next, gather the tax documents needed to file your 2024 tax year return, such as W2 form, and others.
- Next, you should file the tax return with Schedule EIC with tax form Form 1040 or 1040-SR. If you are filing through tax software, you must claim the EITC credit with the return.
- You should attach all the documents needed to support your claim and file the tax return so the return cannot be delayed on the grounds of missing or invalid information.
The EITC extension refund will be processed on the standard timeline of the refund processing, however, the taxpayers should ensure their information is correct when they file the return. The refund may get delayed due to other reasons, so keep tracking your EITC extension refund.