IR-2003-13, Feb. 6, 2003
WASHINGTON -- Unclaimed refunds totaling more than $2.5 billion are awaiting about 1.9 million people who failed to file a 1999 income tax return, the Internal Revenue Service announced today. However, in order to collect the money, a return must be filed with an IRS office no later than April 15, 2003.
The IRS estimates that about half of those who could claim refunds would receive more than $511. Some individuals may have had taxes withheld from their wages but had too little income to require filing a tax return. Others may not have had any tax withheld but would be eligible for the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit.
“Time is running out. If you don't file a return, you can't get a refund,” said Acting Commissioner Bob Wenzel. “We urge taxpayers to double-check their records before the April 15 deadline. We want people to get the refunds they're entitled to.”
In cases where a return was not filed, the law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity for claiming a refund. If no return is filed to claim the refund within three years, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury. For 1999 returns, the window closes on April 15, 2003. The law requires that these returns be properly addressed, postmarked and mailed by that date. There is no penalty assessed by the IRS for filing a late return qualifying for a refund. 
The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 1999 refund that their checks will be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2000 or 2001. In addition, the refund will be applied to any amounts still owed to the IRS and may be used to satisfy unpaid child support or past due federal debts such as student loans.
By failing to file a return, individuals stand to lose more than refunds of taxes withheld or paid during 1999. Many low-income workers may not have claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Although eligible taxpayers may get a refund when their EITC is more than their tax, those who file returns more than three years late would be able only to offset their tax. They would not be able to receive refunds if the credit exceeded their tax.
Generally, individuals qualified for the EITC in 1999 if they earned less than $30,580 and had more than one qualifying child living with them, less than $26,928 with one qualifying child, or less than $10,200 and had no qualifying child.
Download current and prior year tax forms or call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676). Taxpayers who need help also can call the IRS help line at 1-800-829-1040.
Below is a state-by-state breakdown of estimates for individuals who failed to file a 1999 return with a refund due.
Individuals Who Failed to File a 1999
Return and Refund Amounts (Estimated)


Location


Individuals


Median Refund


Total Refunds ($000)


Alabama


29,500


$501


$26,163


Alaska


8,800


$523


$11,610


Arizona


39,700


$444


$46,220


Arkansas


17,100


$483


$16,893


California


209,500


$472


$284,111


Colorado


31,400


$469


$44,528


Connecticut


21,200


$579


$43,372


Delaware


6,400


$493


$6,218


District of Columbia


7,700


$493


$8,914


Florida


123,800


$518


$195,707


Georgia


68,400


$489


$77,940


Hawaii


11,400


$550


$14,964


Idaho


6,600


$442


$6,197


Illinois


78,300


$558


$130,368


Indiana


38,000


$551


$45,057


Iowa


17,500


$500


$17,725


Kansas


19,200


$497


$18,405


Kentucky


19,700


$505


$20,934


Louisiana


30,000


$506


$36,252


Maine


6,300


$476


$7,869


Maryland


39,900


$509


$50,019


Massachusetts


42,100


$568


$88,823


Michigan


80,300


$554


$99,310


Minnesota


25,700


$476


$28,222


Mississippi


16,200


$454


$13,363


Missouri


37,200


$497


$37,917


Montana


4,700


$463


$4,709


Nebraska


9,000


$472


$9,399


Nevada


22,000


$481


$27,915


New Hampshire


6,900


$584


$9,875


New Jersey


60,900


$563


$94,555


New Mexico


11,700


$468


$11,866


New York


114,900


$549


$229,203


North Carolina


56,300


$451


$52,263


North Dakota


2,400


$491


$2,525


Ohio


62,500


$514


$77,318


Oklahoma


25,500


$483


$23,235


Oregon


28,800


$437


$31,069


Pennsylvania


60,600


$538


$87,613


Rhode Island


6,100


$523


$8,968


South Carolina


22,600


$445


$22,508


South Dakota


3,100


$478


$3,515


Tennessee


29,600


$519


$38,090


Texas


149,400


$543


$198,815


Utah


11,300


$444


$15,519


Vermont


2,900


$488


$3,364


Virginia


54,400


$499


$67,481


Washington


50,100


$540


$73,807


West Virginia


5,400


$552


$7,770


Wisconsin


23,600


$485


$24,409


Wyoming


2,800


$539


$3,225


Armed Forces


7,700


$585


$5,363


U.S. Possessions


1,300


$598


$1,675


Foreign Addresses


4,700


$920


$34,260


Total


1,873,100


$511


$2,547,415


 
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