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In April, the IRS warned nearly 1 million taxpayers that they may be leaving more than $1 billion on the table because they never filed a 2020 return.
Taxpayers typically have three years to file and claim tax refunds. The typical April 15th deadline to claim old refunds was postponed to May 17, 2024 due to the general tax filing extension period that was allowed during the Covid epidemic of 2020.
There is still time for taxpayers that haven’t filed for 2021 or 2022 and their refunds are currently withheld. Taxpayers can request their W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 from their employers or banks.
Read: How to begin filing unfiled tax returns
A free wage and income transcript can be ordered at IRS.gov using the "Get Transcript Online" tool for people who need to submit a return.
Sources
"How to Get IRS Transcripts Online" - EA Tax Resolutions
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long do taxpayers have to file a return and still claim a refund?
Taxpayers generally have three years from the original filing deadline to claim a tax refund. Missing this window means the IRS keeps the money permanently, even if you were otherwise entitled to a refund.
What was the deadline to claim a 2020 tax refund, and why was it different from the usual April 15th date?
The deadline to claim a 2020 tax refund was extended to May 17, 2024, instead of the typical April 15th cutoff. This extension was granted because the IRS allowed a general tax filing extension period during the Covid epidemic of 2020.
How much money did taxpayers lose by not filing their 2020 tax returns?
The IRS warned nearly 1 million taxpayers that they may have left more than $1 billion unclaimed by never filing a 2020 return. Since the May 17, 2024 deadline has now passed, that money has been forfeited to the U.S. Treasury.
Can taxpayers still recover refunds if they haven't filed returns for 2021 or 2022?
Yes, taxpayers who have not yet filed for tax years 2021 or 2022 may still be able to claim their refunds, as those years remain within the three-year window. Refunds for those years are currently being withheld until the returns are filed.
What documents can taxpayers use to file past-due returns, and how can they obtain them?
Taxpayers can request W-2, 1098, 1099, or 5498 forms from their employers or banks to reconstruct the information needed for past-due returns. A free wage and income transcript is also available through the "Get Transcript Online" tool at IRS.gov for those who need supporting documentation.
About the Author
Tax Professional
Jessie Seaman is a tax professional at IRS.com with expertise in U.S. federal and state tax law. Their articles are written to help taxpayers understand complex tax topics in plain English.