Many Taxpayers Still Owed Refunds

According to the IRS, more than 1.5 million taxpayers are still eligible for a refund for tax year 2019, but cannot claim it until they submit a tax return for the same year. The agency estimates that these refunds total nearly $1.5 billion, with an average median refund of almost $900. In most cases, taxpayers would have missed out on the opportunity to claim this refund, as federal law gives taxpayers three years to file and claim them. Those who fail to file before this deadline effectively cede their refunds to the U.S. Treasury. There is, however, an exception for 2019 tax refunds, so if you did not file your tax return during the pandemic and believe that you may be owed a refund, you should consider reaching out to an experienced tax attorney for advice.

Three Year Window for Claiming Refunds 

In most tax years, taxpayers have three years to file and then claim a tax refund. Because of the pandemic, however, taxpayers were given more time to file and claim their refunds in 2019. For instance, the normal deadline for claiming a refund from a prior year falls around the usual April tax deadline. In most cases, this would mean that the three year window for any unfiled 2019 returns would have closed on April 18th of this year. The window for that tax year, however, was postponed until July 17, 2023.

Unfiled Tax Returns in Florida 

The IRS also provided a state-by-state estimate on how many people in every state could be entitled to a tax return, as well as an estimate on the median refund for those individuals. The IRS estimates that in Florida, for instance, as many as 89,300 taxpayers have yet to receive their 2019 refunds. The average refund for Florida residents is $893. It’s important to note, however, that a taxpayer’s actual refund amount will depend on each household’s specific tax situation.

Seeking a 2019 Tax Refund 

Taxpayers who are seeking a refund for tax year 2019 could have their checks withheld if they also haven’t filed tax returns for 2020 and 2021. Furthermore, any refund that is owed will first be applied to any amounts owed to the IRS or a state tax agency. Refunds can also be used to offset unpaid child support. Fortunately, even though it’s been a number of years since 2019, there are still ways for taxpayers to gather the kinds of information they’ll need to file a return. Taxpayers can, for instance, request copies of Forms W-2 and 1098 or 1099 for tax year 2019 from their employer or bank. It’s also possible to obtain free wage and income transcripts online from the IRS.

Experienced Florida & Nationwide Unfiled Tax Attorney 

If you have yet to receive your tax refund, whether from 2019 or a later year, don’t hesitate to reach out to experienced CPA, former FBI Special Agent, and Florida unfiled tax attorney Ronald Cutler, P.A. for advice. You can set up a free, one-on-one consultation with a member of our legal team by calling 386-490-9949 or by sending us an online message.

Sources: 

irs.gov/newsroom/time-is-running-out-taxpayers-missing-1-point-5-billion-in-refunds-for-2019-must-file-by-july-17

irs.gov/irb/2023-11_IRB#NOT-2023-21