Missed a tax year? You have 3 years to claim your refund
If you skipped a tax year and the IRS owes you money, the refund is still yours, but only for three years. After that, the Treasury keeps it.
The 3-year rule
The IRS says you must file your return to claim a refund "within 3 years of the return due date." The same limit applies to credits such as the Earned Income Credit.
Tax year | Return was due | Last day to claim the refund |
2023 | April 15, 2024 | April 15, 2027 |
2024 | April 15, 2025 | Mid-April 2028 |
2025 | April 15, 2026 | Mid-April 2029 |
Who usually has money waiting
You had federal tax taken out of your paychecks but earned too little to owe tax. Look at box 2 of your Form W-2.
You were a student, worked part-time, or had a first job.
You qualified for a refundable credit, such as the Earned Income Credit, and never claimed it.
Reasons to file even without a refund
Social Security credit. If you are self-employed and do not file, the IRS says "you will not receive credits toward Social Security retirement or disability benefits."
The IRS can file for you. If you do not file, the IRS may file a substitute return, and it will not include the deductions and credits you could have claimed.
Held refunds. The IRS holds refunds when its records show a past-due return.
If you owe instead
A tax bill does not expire the way a refund does, and interest and penalties keep growing. The IRS advice is to "file your past due return and pay now to limit interest charges and late payment penalties." Payment plans are available.
Lost your W-2?
Your IRS online account shows a wage and income transcript for each year. You can also request it with Form 4506-T by checking the box on line 8.
How we help
Solving Life prepares past-due returns for 2023, 2024 and 2025 together with your current return. Text (720) 432-0981 or send an inquiry at solvinglifellc.com.
Sources:
General information, not tax advice for your situation
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