Refunds totaling $1 billion may be waiting for an estimated one million taxpayers in the nation who did not file a federal income tax return for 2011.
In Georgia, over $31 million in unclaimed refunds awaits 36,200 individuals. However, to collect the money, a return for 2011 must be filed with the IRS no later than Wednesday, April 15, 2015.
The IRS estimates that the median unclaimed refund for tax-year 2011 in Georgia is $628.
“Time is running out if you want to get your refund,” said IRS Spokesman Mark Green. “Taxpayers should review their 2011 statements for refundable credits and withholdings. We want all taxpayers to get the refund they’re due.”
“In cases where a return was not filed, the law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity for claiming a refund,” said Green. “If no return is filed to claim the refund within three years, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury.”
Some people may not have filed because they had too little income to require filing a tax return even though they had taxes withheld from their wages or made quarterly estimated payments. In cases where a return was not filed, the law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity for claiming a refund. If no return is filed to claim a refund within three years, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury.
For 2011 returns, the window closes on April 15, 2015. The law requires that the return be properly addressed, mailed and postmarked by that date. There is no penalty for filing a late return qualifying for a refund.
The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2011 refund that their checks may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2012 and 2013. In addition, the refund will be applied to any amounts still owed to the IRS, or their state tax agency, and may be used to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts, such as student loans.
By failing to file a tax return, people stand to lose more than just their refund of taxes withheld or paid during 2011. Many low-and-moderate income workers may not have claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). For 2011, the credit is worth as much as $5,751. The EITC helps individuals and families whose incomes are below certain thresholds. The thresholds for 2011 were:
- $43,998 ($49,078 if married filing jointly) for those with three or more qualifying children,
- $40,964 ($46,044 if married filing jointly) for people with two qualifying children,
- $36,052 ($41,132 if married filing jointly) for those with one qualifying child, and
- $13,660 ($18,740 if married filing jointly) for people without qualifying children.
Current and prior year tax forms and instructions are available on the IRS.gov Forms and Publications page, or by calling toll-free: 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). Taxpayers who are missing Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 for the years: 2011, 2012 or 2013 should request copies from their employer, bank or other payer. If these efforts are unsuccessful, taxpayers can get a free transcript showing information from these year-end documents by going to IRS.gov. Taxpayers can also file Form 4506-T to request a transcript of their tax return.
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