Time Running Out on Unclaimed Tax Returns

If you have not yet filed your 2017 income tax return, time is running out to claim your share of more than $1.3 billion in unclaimed returns.

The deadline to file 2017 returns is May 17, 2021, and the Internal Revenue Service estimates that 1.3 million taxpayers have not yet filed a federal income tax return for that year. If a return is not filed by May 17, any refund that might have been due will instead become property of the U.S. Treasury.

The IRS estimates that the median potential refund for 2017 is $865. But it could be much higher for low- and moderate-income workers who were eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, which is worth as much as $6,318 for 2017.

Cincinnati Works Members should contact their coach immediately to schedule an appointment with a financial coach. All Members are eligible for FREE help filing income tax returns from 2017 or any year since.

All returns must be properly addressed, mailed and postmarked by May 17. However, the IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2017 tax refund that their checks may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2018 and 2019. 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.

Taxpayers who are not able to find their tax information (Form W-2) can order a free wage and income transcript at IRS.gov using the Get Transcript Online tool. In addition, taxpayers can file form 4506-T to request this information.