Refunds totaling over $13 million may be waiting for an estimated 16,000 Alabama
taxpayers who did not file a federal income tax return for 2009, the Internal
Revenue Service announced Thursday. 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 $565.
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. 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.
INFORMATION SOURCE: Internal Revenue Service
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