IRS Issues Urgent Warning Over $1.2 Billion in Unclaimed Refunds: 'Time Is Running Out'

A surprising financial mistake many people make is not filing their tax returns, and for tax refunds due for the 2022 tax year, taxpayers are running out of time to claim what's theirs. According to the IRS, over 1.3 million people in the United States have unclaimed refunds, and if they miss the April 15 deadline, they will miss out on that money.

Taxpayers can still file their 2022 tax return, but they'll need to act quickly. After three years, the U.S. Treasury owns any unclaimed 2022 refunds.

Here's what you need to know if you haven't yet filed a 2022 tax return.

Editor's note: All tax refund data comes from the IRS, unless otherwise stated.

How much taxpayers could get back

The unclaimed 2022 tax refunds could be sizable. The IRS estimates that about $1.2 billion remains unclaimed, with an estimated median 2022 refund of $686, meaning that half of outstanding refunds are larger than $686.

That data doesn't account for additional tax credits which could increase a taxpayer's refund amount. For example, in 2022, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was worth up to $6,935 for taxpayers with qualifying children. Many low- and moderate-income taxpayers qualify for the EITC, and the credit could mean those taxpayers stand to receive a larger refund.

States with the most to lose

Certain states have more unclaimed 2022 tax refunds than others. In California, approximately 143,200 residents are owed $124.7 million in tax refunds. Texas is next, with 126,000 residents owed $111.7 million, and Florida has 89,000 residents owed $74.5 million.

The median refund amount varies and is highest in Massachusetts at $786, meaning half of the unclaimed refunds are larger than $786.

Potential reasons a refund might be decreased

While the IRS data suggests many refunds will be for $686 or more, it's possible that part or all of that refund might be used to pay other expenses. If you still owe money to the IRS or a state tax agency, your 2022 refund will be applied to the amount owed.

Your refund may be used to cover outstanding child support payments. It could also be applied toward federal payments that are past due, like past-due student loan payments.

How to claim a 2022 tax refund

To claim a 2022 tax refund, you must file your 2022 tax return by April 15, the Federal tax filing deadline. You will need to use the 202 tax forms, such as 2022 Form 1040 and 1040-SR, which are available on the IRS Forms & Instructions page. You can also call 800-TAX-FORM for help.

The IRS might also hold the refunds for taxpayers who haven't filed their tax returns for 2023 and 2024, so you may need to catch up on all of your filings before receiving their money.

How to find 2022 tax form documents

You can still gather the documents needed to file a 2022 tax return:

• Ask your employer: Ask your current or former employer if you're missing your W-2, 1098, 1099, or 5498 for 2022.
• Get forms from the IRS: You can order a free online wage and income transcript using the Get Transcript Online tool. You might get the documents faster using the tool than trying to track them down through an employer.
• File Form 4506-T: You can also file Form 4506-T, which is a request for a transcript of your tax return. The transcript shows key forms you need, like Form W-2. It can take several weeks to receive a written transcript, so use the online option if you can.

What happens after April 15

Federal law gives taxpayers three years to file a tax return and claim a refund. After April 15, 2026, any outstanding tax refunds from tax year 2022 will become the property of the U.S. Treasury. If you don't claim the refund by filing a tax return, you'll lose out on that money and won't be able to claim it in the future. You will also lose out on any tax credits that you would have received.

Additional reasons to file a 2022 tax return

Filing an overdue tax return is about more than just claiming an outstanding tax refund. According to the IRS, if you owe money on a previous return, you may be charged interest and late payment penalties.

Additionally, if you are self-employed but don't file a tax return, your income won't be reported to the Social Security Administration. When your income isn't reported, you won't receive credits toward Social Security retirement or disability benefits, so you'll be eligible for fewer benefits in the future.

If you plan to apply for a loan, such as a mortgage or student loan, you will need to submit copies of your tax returns. You might have to catch up on your tax returns to apply for a loan, delaying the approval process.

Bottom line

If you haven't filed your 2022 tax return, you have until April 15 to do so or you'll lose out on any tax refund you would have received. More than half of the unclaimed refunds are larger than $686, so many taxpayers could lose out on money unless they file their returns in the next few weeks.

Filing an outstanding return has the extra benefit of reducing your stress; it's one less to-do that's hanging over you. If you're uncertain of where to start, consider contacting a tax professional to help you through the process and, if necessary, get out of tax debt.

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