The IRS has $1.5 billion in unclaimed 2019 tax refunds. Here’s how to get your money
The IRS estimates about $1.5 billion in tax refunds remain unclaimed by taxpayers due to the three-year window to file 2019 tax returns, which ends in July.
The normal filing deadline for 2019 tax returns was postponed until July 17 of this year due to the pandemic.
“The 2019 tax returns came due during the pandemic, and many people may have overlooked or forgotten about these refunds,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in a news release. “We want taxpayers to claim these refunds, but time is running out. People face a July 17 deadline to file their returns. We recommend taxpayers start soon to make sure they don’t miss out.”
The IRS estimates $142,235,200 in total potential refund money for Texans who haven’t filed their 2019 return.
If taxpayers don’t file within three years, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury, according to the IRS.
When is the deadline to file 2019 tax returns?
The three-year window to file 2019 tax returns ends July 17.
How do I file a 2019 tax return?
The IRS recommends gathering key documents early so there’s enough time for taxpayers to file before the deadline.
Request copies of key documents: Taxpayers who are missing W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 forms for the years 2019, 2020 or 2021 can request copies from their employer, bank or other payers.
Get Transcript: Taxpayers unable to get key documents from 2019 can order a free wage and income transcript at IRS.gov using the Get Transcript Online tool on the IRS website.
Request a wage and income transcript. Filing a 4506-T form with the IRS to request a “wage and income transcript” is another option for taxpayers missing key documents. A wage and income transcript shows data from returns received by the IRS, such as Forms W-2, 1099, 1098, Form 5498 and IRA contribution information. The IRS recommends filing a 4506-T form early because written requests can take several weeks to process.
