IR-2004-18, Feb. 9, 2004 WASHINGTON — Unclaimed refunds totaling more than $2.5 billion are awaiting nearly 2 million people who failed to file a 2000 income tax return, the Internal Revenue Service announced today. In order to collect the money, however, a return must be filed with an IRS office no later than April 15, 2004. The IRS estimates that half of those who could claim refunds would receive more than $529. In some cases, individuals had taxes withheld from their wages, or made payments against their taxes out of self-employed earnings, but had too little income to require filing a tax return. Some taxpayers may also be eligible for the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit. “The clock is running if you want to get your refund,” said IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson. “People who aren’t required to file sometimes overlook that they had tax withheld. Don’t wait until it’s too late. 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. If no return is filed to claim the refund within three years, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury. For 2000 returns, the window closes on April 15, 2004. The law requires that the return be properly addressed, postmarked and mailed by that date. There is no penalty assessed by the IRS for filing a late return qualifying for a refund. The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2000 refund that their checks will be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2001 or 2002. In addition, the refund will be applied to any amounts still owed to the IRS and may be used to satisfy unpaid child support or past due federal debts such as student loans. By failing to file a return, individuals stand to lose more than refunds of taxes withheld or paid during 2000. Many low-income workers may not have claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Although eligible taxpayers may get a refund when their EITC is more than their tax, those who file returns more than three years late would be able only to offset their tax. They would not be able to receive refunds if the credit exceeded their tax. Generally, individuals qualified for the EITC in 2000 if they earned less than $31,152 and had more than one qualifying child living with them, less than $27,413 with one qualifying child, or less than $10,380 and had no qualifying child. Current and prior year tax forms are available on IRS.gov or by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676). Taxpayers who need help also can call the IRS help line at 1-800-829-1040. The table below shows a state-by-state breakdown of estimates for individuals who failed to file a 2000 return with a refund due: Individuals Who Failed to File a 2000 Return and Refund Amounts (Estimated)* Location Individuals Median Refund Total Refunds ($000) Alabama 31,100 $516 $28,915 Alaska 9,100 $529 $13,264 Arizona 42,400 $455 $43,965 Arkansas 17,800 $501 $18,015 California 225,300 $496 $291,900 Colorado 32,200 $499 $41,907 Connecticut 21,900 $602 $38,774 Delaware 7,000 $521 $6,908 District of Columbia 7,800 $504 $11,770 Florida 128,700 $533 $190,191 Georgia 70,500 $500 $74,394 Hawaii 11,400 $561 $15,343 Idaho 6,900 $445 $6,749 Illinois 79,800 $575 $126,259 Indiana 38,500 $558 $42,219 Iowa 17,700 $516 $14,795 Kansas 20,000 $518 $18,950 Kentucky 20,500 $531 $21,135 Louisiana 30,500 $507 $33,599 Maine 6,900 $470 $8,829 Maryland 41,200 $527 $50,904 Massachusetts 45,300 $590 $84,454 Michigan 81,200 $567 $96,031 Minnesota 27,200 $492 $30,212 Mississippi 16,900 $467 $14,515 Missouri 39,200 $504 $40,373 Montana 4,900 $467 $4,566 Nebraska 9,300 $496 $8,902 Nevada 23,000 $500 $28,895 New Hampshire 7,400 $616 $13,989 New Jersey 63,000 $587 $96,007 New Mexico 13,300 $474 $11,486 New York 119,900 $570 $234,995 North Carolina 58,300 $469 $56,819 North Dakota 2,400 $495 $2,029 Ohio 64,600 $518 $68,621 Oklahoma 26,000 $505 $25,665 Oregon 29,000 $448 $28,248 Pennsylvania 63,700 $560 $82,245 Rhode Island 6,800 $548 $8,486 South Carolina 23,500 $457 $22,124 South Dakota 3,200 $502 $2,939 Tennessee 31,600 $523 $35,668 Texas 157,800 $563 $203,353 Utah 11,500 $457 $13,146 Vermont 3,200 $523 $4,914 Virginia 56,000 $522 $70,070 Washington 50,100 $551 $68,681 West Virginia 5,900 $546 $7,610 Wisconsin 23,400 $498 $23,692 Wyoming 3,000 $540 $4,235 Armed Forces 7,800 $641 $5,770 U.S. Possessions 1,500 $570 $1,808 Foreign Addresses 5,500 $1,000 $26,200 Total 1,952,600 $529 $2,525,533 *Excluding Earned Income Tax Credit. Related Item: Prior Years Forms and Publications Subscribe to IRS Newswire
