Claim Your Refund -- File Your Taxes

More than a million people face an April 15 deadline to file their tax returns for unclaimed refunds for tax year 2021. The estimated median refund amount for that year is $781.

Column distributed by Hearst Connecticut Media Group.

Links to resources referenced:

IRS – Time you can claim a credit or refund
- https://www.irs.gov/filing/time-you-can-claim-a-credit-or-refund#:~:text=When%20you%20didn't%20file,time%20to%20file%20a%20claim.
  - Related column excerpt:
    - “As noted on the IRS webpage ‘Time you can claim a credit or refund’: ‘You can’t get a credit or refund if you don’t file the claim within 3 years of filing your original return, or 2 years after paying the tax, whichever is later, unless you meet an exception that allows you more time to file a claim.’”
IRS – Taxpayers should act now to claim more than $1 billion in refunds for tax year 2021 with the April 15 deadline fast approaching
- https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayers-should-act-now-to-claim-more-than-1-billion-in-refunds-for-tax-year-2021-with-the-april-15-deadline-fast-approaching
  - Related column excerpt:
    - “The IRS does point out that taxpayers could have a 2021 tax refund held if they have not filed tax returns for 2022 and 2023. Additionally, a 2021 refund will be applied to amounts still owed to the IRS or a state tax agency, and it may be used to offset unpaid child support or other past due federal debts, including student loans.”
IRS – Prior year forms and instructions
- https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/prior-year
  - Related column excerpt:
    - “If you are planning to file for a 2021 tax refund, the forms for that year can be found at the IRS.gov ‘Prior year forms and instructions’ webpage. You can also call 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).”
IRS Direct File: File taxes for free directly with IRS
- https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-direct-file-for-free
  - Related column excerpt:
    - “Direct File began as a pilot program last year and received positive reviews from taxpayers. This year, it is available in 25 states. You can see a complete listing at the IRS Direct File webpage at IRS.com.”
IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free
- https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free
  - Related column excerpt:
    - “IRS Free File is in its 23rd year and offers free tax preparation software from eight companies as part of a public-private partnership. The software is available for those taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less.”
IRS – Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers
- https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers
  - Related column excerpt:
    - “The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified taxpayers, while MilTax is available for all military members, as well as some veterans. Eligibility can be verified at the MilTax website.”
Military One Source – MilTax: Free Software & Support
- https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/taxes/miltax-military-tax-services/
  - Related column excerpt:
    - “The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified taxpayers, while MilTax is available for all military members, as well as some veterans. Eligibility can be verified at the MilTax website.”