The IRS will begin accepting 2016 income-tax returns on January 23rd, but because of new anti-fraud measures, anyone filing early and claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit and/or the Additional Child Tax Credit won't likely see their refunds until late February. Ross Yednock with the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan says many people rely heavily on getting that refund.

"Folks will kind of plan their year out knowing, 'I will be getting a good chunk of change, I can take care of this auto payment, pay my property taxes, get caught up on rent,' what have you. And if they've planned this way and done this way the last few years, this year's going to be different."

The IRS says it will hold all refunds until at least February 15th. However, given the Presidents Day holiday on the 20th, Yednock says it could be closer to the end of the month before refunds are received.

The I-R-S does have a "Where's My Refund?" tool on its website, that filers can check after February 15th for the status of their refund.