How to Get Unclaimed Tax Refunds

Author: Artem Hihach

The cause for unclaimed tax money differs, just like the process for getting your refund. Today, we will be highlighting different methods you can use to claim your unclaimed tax refund.

Why You Didn’t Get Your Tax Refund

Lost or undelivered tax refund happens as a result of so many reasons, including numerical errors, fraud, change of address, and wrong bank details. If you changed any of those details, there are chances that your money was sent out but didn’t pass the verification check because your present information doesn’t tally with what is on your official record. Regardless of the reason, there are ways to claim every penny the government owes you if it is not more than three years. 

Tax Reclaim Service

There are software that can take the load off your neck if you can pay the charges. TurboTax and H&R Block seem like good platforms you can use to file for tax refunds and reclaim the unclaimed ones. 

However, tax returns from previous years must be filed on paper. Depending on where you reside, you might need to print and deliver your document to a specific regional IRS office in your residing state.

The Documents Needed to File a Tax Return

Depending on the issue you have, you might need to provide these documents: a copy of your W-2, 1098, 1099, or 5498 from the year of default. This can be gotten from your employer or your bank.

You can also request a free wage and income transcript from the IRS. The transcript information can be used to file and prepare your tax return. If you don’t have an IRS account, you’ll need to create one to get an instant transcript.

Due to the high cost of taxes, the people in these categories are not mandated to pay. 

• Heads of households earning less than $18,800 (if under 65) and less than $20,500 (if 65 or older) 
• If your income is less than the above amount, you do not have to file taxes, though you may wish to if you want to claim a withheld refund or a refundable credit, such as the earned income credit.

How To Claim A Refund

Whether you expect a physical or direct payment, you can retrieve your unclaimed tax refund.

If you haven’t received your return in more than a year, you can use the IRS’s unclaimed refund database to file for it. For verification purposes, you will be asked for your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact tax refund amount. If necessary, you can alter your address there. This site will have your refund information available until you file your tax return for the current year.

There are two methods you can use to request for a reissue of your lost refund:

•  If you used the Married Filing Jointly status and your tax refund issue is more than a year but less than three years (the standard statute of limitations cutoff). You will need to complete Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund. 
•  If you utilized any other status, you can contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1954.