With the Internal Revenue Service now accepting 2024 tax returns some taxpayers are already counting down the days until they receive their refund. However, the IRS says taxpayers who claim a pair of tax credits might be waiting longer than anticipated to receive their money.

It depends on how you file your taxes and how you choose to receive your refund. If you file electronically and your return is accurate and complete, the IRS says it should take less than three weeks to receive your refund and even less time if you choose direct deposit.

Filers with Adjusted Gross Income, known as AGI, of less than $84,000 can use IRS Free File to complete returns at no charge. Free File offers tax preparation software from eight companies and gives free online access to preparation and filing software.

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.

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.