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 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.

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