Waiting for Your EITC or Child Tax Credit Refund? Here's How to Speed It Up

Tax season is in full swing, and many Americans are eager to receive their tax refunds. However, if your return includes certain credits—like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC)—you might face an unexpected delay in receiving your refund. The IRS has announced that refunds for these types of returns will not be issued until March 3rd at the earliest.

For many families who depend on their refunds to cover bills, debt, or other essential expenses, this delay can create financial stress. Fortunately, Sunset Finance offers a solution: a Tax Advance Loan that allows you to access up to $7,000 of your refund as soon as 24 to 48 hours after IRS acceptance.

In this blog, we’ll break down what’s causing the delay, explain the credits involved, and show how Sunset Finance can help you stay ahead of your financial needs this tax season.

Why Is There a Delay on EITC and CTC Refunds?

If your tax return includes the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), you may face a delay in receiving your refund due to the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act. The PATH Act requires the IRS to hold refunds for these credits until early March. This regulation was implemented to combat tax fraud by giving the IRS additional time to verify claims for these credits.

In 2025, the IRS will not fund refunds for returns claiming the EITC or ACTC until March 3rd at the earliest. This delay is necessary to ensure accurate processing and prevent fraudulent filings. While these measures help secure tax refunds, they can cause financial challenges for families who rely on their refunds to cover essential expenses such as bills, debt repayment, or emergencies.

What Are the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit?

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

The EITC is designed to provide financial relief to low- and moderate-income working individuals and families. It can significantly reduce the amount of taxes owed and may even provide a refund to eligible taxpayers. Factors such as income level, filing status, and number of dependents determine eligibility and the amount of the credit.

Child Tax Credit (CTC)

The CTC is a refundable credit designed to assist families with children. It can provide up to $2,000 per qualifying child under the age of 17. Eligible taxpayers may receive a portion of the credit even if they owe little or no federal income tax.

Both credits are crucial for many families, often helping them cover essential expenses like housing, childcare, and debt repayment. However, the delayed refund timeline can cause stress for those who were counting on receiving the funds earlier.

How Sunset Finance Can Help with a Tax Advance Loan

If you're expecting a refund that includes EITC, CTC, or other dependent credits, you don’t have to wait until March to get access to your money. Sunset Finance offers Tax Advance Loans that provide early access to up to $7,000 of your expected refund—without the wait.

Here’s how a tax advance loan can help:

1. Access Your Refund Early

With a Tax Advance Loan, you can access part of your tax refund within 24 to 48 hours of IRS acceptance. You won’t have to wait until March to cover pressing expenses, such as bills, medical costs, or car repairs.

2. Manage Holiday or Post-Holiday Expenses

For many, the financial stress of the holidays carries over into the new year. With quick access to your refund, you can catch up on expenses, pay off credit card debt, or save for upcoming needs without scrambling to make ends meet.

3. Avoid Credit Card Debt

Without early access to a refund, many people resort to credit cards to cover urgent expenses. A tax advance loan offers a smarter alternative and is better for your wallet.

4. Stay Ahead of Financial Deadlines

From rent and mortgage payments to utility bills, financial obligations don’t stop just because the IRS is holding your refund. A tax advance loan can help you stay on top of these commitments and avoid late fees or penalties.

How Does a Tax Advance Loan Work?

Getting a Tax Advance Loan with Sunset Finance is simple. Here's what you need to do:

Step 1: Prepare Your Taxes Early

Start by organizing your tax documents, including your W-2s, 1099s, and any other necessary paperwork. Use our free Taxes-To-Go App to securely upload your documents from anywhere.

Step 2: File Your Return

Once your documents are submitted through the app or at your local branch, our tax professionals will review and file your return. We’ll ensure your tax filing is accurate and complete.

Step 3: Apply for a Tax Advance Loan

After the IRS accepts your return, you can apply for a tax advance loan. Qualified customers can receive up to $7,000 in as little as 24 to 48 hours. The loan amount will be deducted from your refund when it arrives, with clear and transparent terms.

Why Choose Sunset Finance Over Online Tax Services?

While many online tax software platforms like TurboTax and H&R Block offer similar tax advance services, they often come with hidden fees and limited customer support. At Sunset Finance, we provide personalized service, ensuring you understand the terms of your tax advance loan and have access to real professionals who can answer your questions. Plus, our Taxes-To-Go App makes filing easy, secure, and convenient.

Don’t Wait—Get Ahead This Tax Season

If your tax return includes the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, or other dependent credits, don’t let the IRS delay put your finances on hold. Sunset Finance’s Tax Advance Loans are designed to help you access your refund early, giving you the financial flexibility you need.

Ready to Get Started?

Download the free Taxes To Go App today and take control of your tax season. Reach out to your nearest Sunset Finance location to learn more about our tax preparation services and tax advance loans. Let's make this tax season your easiest one yet!

*subject to our most liberal credit policies and IRS acceptance of your return.