when does path lift

The PATH Act “lift” for 2025 tax‑refund‑related freezes (often called “PATH lift”) is scheduled for February 15 , but when that date falls on a weekend or holiday, the release typically shifts to the next business day.

What “PATH lift” means

• The PATH Act requires the IRS to hold refunds on certain credits (like EITC and ACTC) until mid‑February to help combat fraud.

• Once the PATH freeze “lifts,” those holds are removed and the IRS can start processing and issuing the related refunds.

When it actually lifts in 2025

• Nominal date: February 15 (the usual statutory lift date).

• If Feb 15 is a weekend or holiday:
  • For daily‑processed accounts , the freeze lifts on the next business day.

* In 2025, because February 15 fell on a Saturday, many sources expect the effective lift to be **Tuesday, February 18** , for affected accounts.

Quick reference table

Item| Detail
---|---
Statutory PATH‑lift date| February 15 each year. 5
If Feb 15 is a weekend| Lift moves to next business day. 1
2025 effective lift (likely)| Tuesday, February 18 for many accounts. 18
What you should do| Check your IRS account or tax‑software status; if you see “PATH‑related freeze,” it usually clears shortly after the lift date. 6

If you tell me your tax‑software (TurboTax, H&R Block, etc.) or filing method (direct deposit, paper return), I can give a more tailored “what to expect” timeline.