The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a public announcement on June 8, 2023, calling on approximately 1.5 million individuals to promptly file their tax returns to secure over $1.5 billion in refunds. These refunds pertain to the 2019 tax year, and the deadline for submission is set for July 17, 2023.
The majority of eligible recipients are individuals with modest incomes who have yet to file their 2019 tax returns. Numerous taxpayers qualify for potential refunds, with the average refund for 2019 amounting to about $900.
Commissioner of the IRS, Danny Werfel, emphasized the time-sensitive nature of the situation, stating, “We are quickly approaching the deadline for over a million individuals to claim their 2019 tax refunds. Given the impact of the pandemic, many people may have unintentionally overlooked filing their tax returns for that year. We want to ensure that no one misses the opportunity to receive their well-deserved refund. We strongly encourage individuals to review their records and take prompt action before the deadline. The IRS offers various avenues of assistance to facilitate the process.”
Typically, taxpayers have a three-year window to file their returns and receive their refunds. However, due to the delay caused by the pandemic, the deadline for the 2019 tax year has been extended from the customary April 15 to July 17, 2023. To be eligible for a refund, taxpayers must ensure that their tax returns are addressed, mailed, and postmarked no later than July 17.
In addition, low and moderate-income workers may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which could amount to up to $6,557 in 2019. For married couples filing jointly with three children, the income threshold for eligibility is $55,952. Those with two children can qualify with incomes up to $52,493, while those with one child can qualify with incomes up to $46,884. Finally, married couples filing jointly with no qualifying children can qualify with incomes up to $21,370.
The IRS emphasizes that taxpayers may experience delays in receiving their refunds if they have not filed their 2020 or 2021 tax returns or if they owe additional taxes to the IRS. For taxpayers in need of assistance in preparing their returns, the IRS provides several options:
Copies of Key Documents: Taxpayers who are missing Forms W-2, 1098, or 1099 can request copies from their banks, brokers, or employers.
Online Transcript: Taxpayers can obtain a transcript from the IRS website by using the “Get Transcript Online” tool.
Request a Printed Transcript: Taxpayers can submit IRS Form 4506-T to request a “wage and income transcript” from the IRS. This transcript displays all tax forms received by the IRS. However, it is important to note that receiving a printed copy via mail may take several weeks, and therefore, the other options are recommended for quicker access.
Taxpayers are urged to take advantage of the remaining time and the assistance provided by the IRS to ensure they receive their entitled refunds for the 2019 tax year. For more information and resources, individuals can visit the official IRS website or contact their local IRS office.
About the IRS:
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the tax administration agency of the United States federal government. Its primary responsibility is to administer and enforce the internal revenue laws and collect taxes owed by individuals and businesses. The IRS also provides taxpayer assistance and educational resources to help taxpayers understand and fulfill their tax obligations.