IR-2009-16, March 3, 2009 WASHINGTON — Unclaimed refunds totaling approximately $1.3 billion are awaiting over a million people who did not file a federal income tax return for 2005, the Internal Revenue Service announced today. However, to collect the money, a return for 2005 must be filed with the IRS no later than Wednesday, April 15, 2009. Especially in these tough economic times, people should not lose out on money that is rightfully theirs," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “People should check their records, especially if they had taxes withheld from their paychecks but were not required to file a tax return. They may be leaving money on the table, including valuable tax credits that can mean even more money in their pockets." The IRS estimates that half of those who could claim refunds for tax year 2005 would receive more than $581. Some individuals 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 the refund within three years, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury. For 2005 returns, the window closes on April 15, 2009. 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 2005 refund that their checks will be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2006 or 2007. 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 2005. Many low-income workers may not have claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Generally, unmarried individuals qualified for the EITC if in 2005 they earned less than $35,263 and had more than one qualifying child living with them, earned less than $31,030 with one qualifying child, or earned less than $11,750 and had no qualifying child. Limits are slightly higher for married individuals filing jointly. Current and prior year tax forms and instructions are available on the Forms and Publications web page of IRS.gov or by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676). Information about the Earned Income Tax Credit and how to claim it is also available on IRS.gov. Taxpayers who need help also can call the toll-free IRS help line at 1-800-829-1040. Individuals Who Did Not File a 2005 Return with an Estimated Refund Individuals Median Estimated Refund * Total Estimated Refunds ($000) * Alabama 21,400 $585 $18,167 Alaska 6,100 $665 $6,925 Arizona 36,900 $487 $31,234 Arkansas 11,400 $547 $9,756 California 154,500 $537 $144,580 Colorado 23,700 $532 $20,676 Connecticut 16,000 $659 $18,234 Delaware 5,400 $592 $5,117 Dist of Columbia 5,300 $564 $5,518 Florida 99,300 $609 $108,162 Georgia 44,400 $538 $39,381 Hawaii 9,400 $639 $11,108 Idaho 5,300 $464 $4,113 Illinois 50,400 $640 $53,166 Indiana 26,600 $624 $24,041 Iowa 11,800 $587 $9,367 Kansas 12,900 $555 $10,804 Kentucky 14,600 $588 $12,506 Louisiana 24,900 $594 $24,388 Maine 4,900 $532 $3,928 Maryland 30,600 $584 $29,967 Massachusetts 29,600 $638 $31,942 Michigan 45,100 $609 $42,390 Minnesota 19,700 $531 $17,085 Mississippi 12,200 $533 $10,311 Missouri 26,000 $550 $21,237 Montana 3,700 $509 $3,125 Nebraska 5,900 $548 $5,091 Nevada 18,300 $551 $17,588 New Hampshire 5,500 $667 $5,759 New Jersey 41,100 $646 $43,761 New Mexico 9,400 $532 $7,724 New York 76,800 $639 $82,994 North Carolina 37,300 $515 $29,645 North Dakota 2,000 $553 $1,647 Ohio 44,600 $571 $37,290 Oklahoma 17,000 $546 $14,541 Oregon 21,000 $467 $16,138 Pennsylvania 47,800 $623 $43,958 Rhode Island 4,500 $610 $4,332 South Carolina 16,000 $506 $13,240 South Dakota 2,400 $602 $2,046 Tennessee 21,900 $586 $19,917 Texas 103,000 $624 $105,241 Utah 8,300 $496 $8,334 Vermont 2,300 $550 $1,730 Virginia 40,200 $576 $40,657 Washington 35,600 $624 $39,414 West Virginia 4,900 $627 $4,389 Wisconsin 16,900 $535 $13,825 Wyoming 2,800 $649 $2,785 Armed Forces 5,500 $800 $4,540 US Possessions/Territories 200 $754 $320 Total 1,343,000 $581 $1,284,133 * Excluding the Earned Income Credit and other credits. Subscribe to IRS Newswire
