Claim Your 2018 Tax Refund Now – Or Lose It Forever
There are about 1.5 million unclaimed 2018 tax refunds worth roughly $1.5 billion…but you need to act fast if any of that money is yours.
The IRS is looking for about 1.5 million people who didn't file a 2018 tax return and who might be owed a refund of taxes that were withheld or otherwise prepaid. In fact, Uncle Sam has almost $1.5 billion of potential refunds waiting to be claimed. The median potential refund is estimated to be $813. Is any of that money yours?
Claim Your Refund By April 18
Act now if you think some of that cash could belong to you. In cases where a federal tax return was not filed, the taxpayer generally has a three-year window of opportunity to claim a refund. That means you must file your 2018 tax return with the IRS no later than this year's tax filing deadline to collect the money. For most people, that's April 18 (April 19 for residents of Maine or Massachusetts). If you don't file a 2018 return in time, the U.S. Treasury gets the money and you're out of luck.
Missing W-2 and Other 2018 Tax Forms?
If you're missing W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 forms from 2018, try getting copies from your employer, bank or other payer. If that doesn't work, you can go on the IRS website and order a free wage and income transcript or request one by filing Form 4506-T. The transcript will show data from information returns received by the IRS. This information can be used to file your 2018 tax return.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
What If You Have a Tax Debt or Didn't File Other Returns?
The IRS could hold your 2018 refund check if you didn't file a 2019 or 2020 return, either. In addition, the IRS may also apply your 2018 refund to any federal or state taxes you owe for other years — or to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts, such as student loans.
Eligibility for 2018 Earned Income Tax Credit
By filing a 2018 tax return, many low- and moderate-income workers may also be eligible for the earned income tax credit for that year. The credit was worth as much as $6,431 for 2018. The credit helps individuals and families whose incomes are below certain thresholds. The thresholds for 2018 were:
- $49,194 ($54,884 if married filing jointly) for people with three or more qualifying children;
- $45,802 ($51,492 if married filing jointly) for people with two qualifying children;
- $40,320 ($46,010 if married filing jointly) for people with one qualifying child; and
- $15,270 ($20,950 if married filing jointly) for people without qualifying children.
Rocky Mengle was a Senior Tax Editor for Kiplinger from October 2018 to January 2023 with more than 20 years of experience covering federal and state tax developments. Before coming to Kiplinger, Rocky worked for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, and Kleinrock Publishing, where he provided breaking news and guidance for CPAs, tax attorneys, and other tax professionals. He has also been quoted as an expert by USA Today, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, Accounting Today, and other media outlets. Rocky holds a law degree from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. in History from Salisbury University.
-
Six Ways Women Can Overcome Any Financial Obstacles Holding Them Back
To improve your financial situation, focus on empowering yourself first.
By Kiplinger Advisor Collective Published
-
Should You Enroll in Medicare if You Still Have a Job?
This question is being asked more than ever these days, so here’s what you can do when it comes to making Medicare decisions while you’re still working.
By Jae W. Oh Published
-
How Much Richer Could You Be Without a Big Tax Refund?
Tax Refunds A big tax refund isn’t a reason to celebrate if you overpaid throughout the year. Here’s how much money your interest-free loan to the government could have cost you.
By Katelyn Washington Last updated
-
How to Calculate Your Adjusted Gross Income — and What It Means
Income Tax Your eligibility for certain money-saving tax breaks depends on your adjusted gross income.
By Ella Vincent Published
-
Ways to File Your Taxes for Free
Free Filing Tax season is in full swing, and if you’re looking to save money, there are several ways to file your taxes for free.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
IRS Issues Another Tax Warning for Wealthy, High Earners
Tax Enforcement Wealthy non-filers could pay more tax than they owe if the IRS files for them.
By Katelyn Washington Last updated
-
Types of Income the IRS Doesn't Tax
Income Tax It may feel like the IRS taxes most of your hard-earned money, but some types of income are nontaxable.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
Why You’ll Still Pay Oklahoma Grocery Tax
State Tax Oklahoma is eliminating state grocery taxes, but that doesn’t mean groceries will be tax-free.
By Katelyn Washington Last updated
-
Last-Minute Tax Savings Guide for 2023
Tax Savings April 15 is weeks away, so it's not too late to save your 2023 taxes.
By Sandra Block Published
-
Why You Should Care About Your 2026 Taxes Now
Tax Planning It's not to early to prepare for the possibility that your taxes will go up in 2026.
By Sandra Block Published