MILLIONS of Americans could lose out on an IRS tax refund worth up to $832 – unless they act before a looming deadline this April.
The IRS says over 1.1 million taxpayers still haven’t claimed refunds from the 2021 tax year, leaving more than $1 billion on the table nationwide. And once the clock strikes midnight on April 15, that money goes straight to the U.S. Treasury – permanently.
If you lived in Alaska, Georgia, or Texas during the 2021 tax year, you could be missing out on some of the biggest IRS refund amounts – including a $832 payout per person in Alaska alone.
That’s part of a massive $3.4 million fund still up for grabs in the state. Georgians could see average returns of $720 with over $33 million left unclaimed in the Peach State.
Why the rush? IRS rules only give you three years to file for a refund – and for 2021 returns, time is officially running out.
“If you don’t file by April 15, that money’s gone for good,” a tax professional warned. “It becomes government property. Most people don’t even realize it’s theirs to begin with.”
The kicker? You might not get your 2021 refund if you haven’t filed your 2022 or 2023 returns either. The IRS can hold your payout if you’re missing other years.
Even worse, thousands of Americans still haven’t filed due to confusion, paperwork issues, or simply forgetting. In Alaska alone, 3,600 people still hadn’t filed as of mid-March.
Experts say it’s not as hard as it sounds. The IRS has free filing tools online, and you can track your refund using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool – available 24 hours after e-filing or 4 weeks after mailing in your form.
Just make sure your Social Security number, birthdate, and bank info are correct. According to the IRS, even a small typo can delay or completely block your refund.
Taxpayers who make math errors, put the wrong SSN, or forget a signature are more likely to get flagged. And if you’re mailing a paper return? Expect longer delays – sometimes up to two months.
As of January 31, the average tax refund in 2025 was $1,928. But those who file early and select direct deposit have received up to $2,069 on average.
Bottom line: You could be sitting on hundreds of dollars – but if you don’t file by April 15, the IRS keeps the cash. Don’t miss out.
Need more help? Visit IRS.gov or file using a trusted e-filing partner before it’s too late.
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