Unclaimed federal income tax refunds totaling over $19 million may be waiting for an estimated 17,900 Oregon taxpayers who did not file a 2015 federal income tax return, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
“To collect the money, these Oregon taxpayers must file their 2015 tax return with the IRS no later than this year’s tax deadline, Monday, April 15,” said IRS spokesman David Tucker II.
In cases where a federal income tax return was not filed, the law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity to claim a tax refund. If they do not file a tax return within three years, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. For 2015 tax returns, the window closes April 15, 2019, for most taxpayers. The law requires taxpayers to properly address, mail and ensure the tax return is postmarked by that date.
The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2015 tax refund that their checks may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2016 and 2017. In addition, 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, such as student loans.
Visit www.IRS.gov to learn more.
