Families planning to claim the Child Tax Credit, the Adoption Credit, or pay for educational expenses should review these changes before filing. Refund timing for early EITC/ACTC filersMost early filing taxpayers who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit can expect their refunds as early as March 2, 2026, if they:– File online. Speed tax refunds with direct depositThe IRS is phasing out paper tax refund checks. Access tax information with IRS Individual Online AccountWith an IRS Individual Online Account, taxpayers can securely access and view tax account information, check refund information, manage payments, and interact with the IRS at any time. For the latest updates on the One, Big, Beautiful Bill and how it affects filing your federal tax return, visit One, Big, Beautiful Bill Provisions on IRS.gov.