The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that over 1.1 million taxpayers across the U.S. have unclaimed refunds for the 2021 tax year. However, these individuals must file their 2021 tax returns by April 15, 2025, or their refunds will be forfeited to the U.S. Treasury.
Over $1 Billion in Unclaimed Refunds
The IRS estimates that more than $1 billion remains unclaimed. The median refund is $781, but some taxpayers may be eligible for even more, particularly if they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Recovery Rebate Credit.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Eligibility for 2021
Many low- and moderate-income workers may qualify for the EITC, which was worth up to $6,728 in 2021. The eligibility thresholds were:
| Number of Qualifying Children | Maximum Adjusted Gross Income (Single) | Maximum Adjusted Gross Income (Married Filing Jointly) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 or more children | $51,464 | $57,414 |
| 2 children | $47,915 | $53,865 |
| 1 child | $42,158 | $48,108 |
| No children | $21,430 | $27,380 |
Failing to file a tax return could mean missing out on these valuable tax credits and refunds.
State-by-State Breakdown of Unclaimed Refunds
The table below provides IRS estimates of the number of individuals eligible for refunds, the median refund amount per state, and the total unclaimed refunds:
| State | Estimated Eligible Individuals | Median Refund | Total Unclaimed Refunds |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 116,300 | $600 | $92,299,600 |
| Texas | 102,200 | $810 | $94,792,200 |
| New York | 73,000 | $995 | $72,477,100 |
| Florida | 69,800 | $732 | $61,087,200 |
| Pennsylvania | 53,100 | $993 | $52,121,800 |
| Illinois | 44,500 | $892 | $42,482,800 |
| Michigan | 40,300 | $854 | $37,301,500 |
| Ohio | 39,400 | $762 | $34,735,100 |
| Georgia | 38,500 | $720 | $33,515,300 |
| Washington | 35,200 | $880 | $33,716,000 |
| North Carolina | 35,800 | $719 | $30,754,100 |
Note: These figures are estimates, and actual refund amounts will vary based on individual tax situations.
How to File a 2021 Tax Return
If you have not yet filed your 2021 tax return, here are some steps to take:
- Access IRS Online Accounts – Visit IRS.gov to download past tax documents.
- Contact Employers or Banks – Request missing Forms W-2, 1098, 1099, or 5498 from your employer, financial institution, or other payers.
- Request IRS Transcripts – Use Get Transcript by Mail on IRS.gov or call 800-908-9946.
- File Form 4506-T – Submit this form to the IRS to request a wage and income transcript, which contains reported earnings from employers and financial institutions.
Don’t Miss Out!
The deadline to file and claim a 2021 tax refund is April 15, 2025. Act now to ensure you don’t lose out on money that rightfully belongs to you.
