Time is running out for an estimated 21,000 Hoosier taxpayers to claim federal tax refunds from 2013. To collect the money, taxpayers must file a 2013 tax return with the IRS no later than this year’s tax deadline, which is Tuesday, April 18.
More than $22 million in unclaimed taxes is due to Hoosiers, according to the IRS. The average refund amount is $788.
By law, most taxpayers have a three-year window of opportunity for claiming refunds. If a return isn’t filed in that time, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. Tax returns must be properly addressed, mailed and postmarked by the deadline in order to be considered timely filed.
Tax checks may be held if returns for 2014 and 2015 were not filed. Also, the refund will be applied to any amounts still owed to the IRS or a state tax agency and may be used to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts like student loans.
Current and prior year tax forms (such as the Tax Year 2013 Form 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ) and instructions are available on the IRS.gov Forms and Publications page or by calling toll-free: 800- TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). Taxpayers who are missing Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 for the years 2013, 2014 or 2015 should request copies from their employer, bank or other payer.
Taxpayers who are unable to get missing forms from their employer or other payer should go to IRS.gov and use the “Get Transcript Online” tool to obtain a Wage and Income transcript. Taxpayers can also file Form 4506-T to request a transcript of their 2013 income.
A Wage and Income transcript shows data from information returns we receive such as Forms W-2, 1099, 1098 and Form 5498, IRA Contribution Information. Taxpayers can use the information on the transcript to file their tax return.
