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IRS Urges Americans to Claim $1 Billion in Unclaimed 2021 Tax Refunds Before April 15 Deadline

Over 1.1 million taxpayers risk losing refunds, with median amounts nearing $800; unclaimed funds will revert to the U.S. Treasury if not claimed in time.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Building is seen on February 20, 2025 in Washington, DC.
IRS 2021 Tax Refunds

Overview

  • The IRS reports $1 billion in unclaimed tax refunds for 2021, affecting approximately 1.1 million Americans nationwide.
  • Taxpayers must file their 2021 federal income tax returns by April 15, 2025, to claim refunds or risk forfeiting the money to the U.S. Treasury.
  • The median refund amount for 2021 is estimated at $781, with some taxpayers eligible for additional credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, worth up to $6,728 for qualifying individuals with children.
  • Key states with the most unclaimed refunds include California, Texas, and New York, where tens of thousands have yet to file their returns.
  • The IRS advises taxpayers to gather necessary documents, such as W-2s and 1099s, and offers free filing assistance for low- to moderate-income individuals through programs like VITA.