Did you know that you might still be able to claim a tax refund from 2021? The IRS has announced that over 1.1 million people nationwide have unclaimed refunds for that year, including nearly 8,700 people in Utah. The total amount owed to Utah taxpayers is about $7.5 million, with the median refund being $696 per person. But time is running out! You must file your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025 to claim your money before it becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury.
Who Can Claim a 2021 Tax Refund?
If you didn’t file a federal tax return in 2021, you could still be eligible for a refund. The IRS urges everyone to check, even if they didn’t earn enough income to be required to file. Many low- and moderate-income workers may also qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which was worth up to $6,728 in 2021 for those with qualifying children.Here’s a quick look at the income limits for the 2021 EITC:
$51,464 (or $57,414 if married filing jointly) – Three or more qualifying children$47,915 (or $53,865 if married filing jointly) – Two qualifying children
$42,158 (or $48,108 if married filing jointly) – One qualifying child$21,430 (or $27,380 if married filing jointly) – No children
How to Claim Your 2021 Refund
If you think you’re owed a refund, follow these steps to claim it before the deadline:
Check your tax records – Log in to IRS.gov to view your tax history and wage statements.Gather tax documents – You may need W-2s, 1099s, or other income records from 2021.
File your 2021 tax return – Use tax preparation software, a tax professional, or IRS Free File if eligible.Submit your return before April 15, 2025 – After this date, any unclaimed refunds go to the government.
What Happens If You Don’t File?
If you don’t claim your 2021 refund by April 15, 2025, you lose the money forever. Also, if you haven’t filed tax returns for 2022 and 2023, the IRS may hold your refund until those returns are submitted. Refunds may also be used to pay past-due taxes, federal debts, or state tax obligations.
Don’t Leave Money on the Table!
The IRS estimates that more than $1 billion in refunds from 2021 remain unclaimed. If you or someone you know hasn’t filed their 2021 tax return, now is the time to act. Even if you weren’t required to file, you may still qualify for money back. Check your tax status and file before the April 15, 2025 deadline to ensure you don’t miss out on cash that belongs to you.
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