IRS YouTube Videos Haven't Filed a Tax Return in Years?: English | Spanish | ASL IR-2013-29, March 14, 2013 WASHINGTON — Refunds totaling just over $917 million may be waiting for an estimated 984,400 taxpayers who did not file a federal income tax return for 2009, the Internal Revenue Service announced today. However, to collect the money, a return for 2009 must be filed with the IRS no later than Monday, April 15, 2013. The IRS estimates that half the potential refunds for 2009 are more than $500. 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 2009 returns, the window closes on April 15, 2013. 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 2009 refund that their checks may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2010 and 2011. 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 return, people stand to lose more than refund of taxes withheld or paid during 2009. In addition, many low-and-moderate income workers may not have claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). For 2009, the credit is worth as much as $5,657. The EITC helps individuals and families whose incomes are below certain thresholds. The thresholds for 2009 were: $43,279 ($48,279 if married filing jointly) for those with three or more qualifying children, $40,295 ($45,295 if married filing jointly) for people with two qualifying children, $35,463 ($40,463 if married filing jointly) for those with one qualifying child, and $13,440 ($18,440 if married filing jointly) for people without qualifying children. For more information, visit the EITC Home Page. Current and prior year tax forms and instructions are available on the Forms and Publications page of IRS.gov or by calling toll-free 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). Taxpayers who are missing Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 for 2009, 2010 or 2011 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 filing Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, with the IRS or by calling 800-829-1040. Individuals Who Did Not File a 2009 Return with a Potential Refund State or District Individuals Median Potential Refund Total Potential Refunds* ($000) Alabama 16,000 $565 $13,317 Alaska 5,000 $658 $6,107 Arizona 24,800 $509 $20,742 Arkansas 8,600 $560 $7,289 California 100,700 $518 $92,590 Colorado 17,900 $556 $16,860 Connecticut 12,100 $638 $13,031 Delaware 4,000 $561 $3,405 District of Columbia 4,200 $595 $4,151 Florida 62,700 $577 $60,746 Georgia 31,300 $538 $27,409 Hawaii 7,200 $599 $7,448 Idaho 3,800 $511 $2,984 Illinois 39,500 $626 $39,613 Indiana 20,300 $592 $17,547 Iowa 9,800 $581 $7,893 Kansas 9,900 $509 $7,774 Kentucky 11,300 $578 $9,552 Louisiana 18,700 $592 $17,843 Maine 3,700 $505 $2,771 Maryland 23,100 $564 $22,780 Massachusetts 23,300 $572 $22,756 Michigan 30,000 $600 $28,019 Minnesota 13,600 $528 $11,480 Mississippi 8,700 $529 $7,144 Missouri 18,700 $500 $14,674 Montana 3,100 $511 $2,529 Nebraska 4,600 $543 $3,808 Nevada 12,600 $559 $11,058 New Hampshire 4,200 $615 $3,891 New Jersey 31,600 $642 $33,192 New Mexico 7,100 $567 $6,450 New York 62,700 $620 $65,277 North Carolina 26,200 $503 $21,337 North Dakota 1,900 $524 $1,682 Ohio 32,100 $561 $26,714 Oklahoma 15,200 $573 $13,442 Oregon 15,200 $516 $12,253 Pennsylvania 38,200 $619 $34,505 Rhode Island 3,300 $612 $3,148 South Carolina 10,800 $530 $9,347 South Dakota 2,100 $546 $1,728 Tennessee 16,400 $550 $14,513 Texas 86,000 $578 $86,136 Utah 6,500 $503 $5,397 Vermont 1,700 $551 $1,397 Virginia 28,800 $559 $28,027 Washington 27,200 $644 $29,807 West Virginia 4,100 $598 $3,894 Wisconsin 11,500 $505 $9,430 Wyoming 2,400 $657 $2,539 Totals 984,400 $569 $917,426 * Excluding the Earned Income Tax Credit and other credits. Follow the IRS on New Media Subscribe to IRS Newswire
