Workers who are paid low wages — and in many cases are trying to raise children on overstretched paychecks — can qualify for a financial boost by claiming the earned income tax credit on their tax returns.

The IRS began accepting tax returns on Jan. 27, but if you want to claim the child tax credit, you might be waiting awhile for your refund.

While the IRS says most refunds will be sent within 21 days of receiving a tax return, that’s not the case for those who claim the Additional Child Tax Credit or the Earned Income Tax Credit. That’s because the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act forbids the IRS from issuing refunds before mid-February to anyone who claimed either of those credits.

If you're claiming a Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit on your 2024 tax returns, you may get your refund later in the season than other filers — even if you filed first. Here's why.

A taxpayer who submits an electronic return with the direct deposit can expect to receive their money within 21 days.

As tax season kicks off, understanding the nuances of the child tax credit can help you better manage your expectations for your refund.