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.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free 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.
-
Medicare Prior Authorization Expands to Ambulatory Surgical CentersStarting in December, Medicare will begin requiring prior authorization for certain procedures when performed in ambulatory surgical centers.
-
Frontier’s GoWild! Annual Flight Pass: Is the $299 All‑You‑Can‑Fly Deal Worth It?Frontier’s GoWild! Pass offers unlimited flights for $299, but blackout dates, standby rules, and fees apply. See who benefits and if it’s worth it.
-
Ask the Editor, September 5: Tax Questions on SALT DeductionAsk the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer questions from readers on the OBBB's changes to the SALT deduction.
-
New $6,000 'Senior Bonus' Deduction: What It Means for Taxpayers Over Age 65Tax Changes If you’re an older adult, a new bonus tax deduction could provide a valuable tax benefit. Here's how it works.
-
Claiming the Standard Deduction? Here Are Ten Tax Breaks For Middle-Class Families in 2025Tax Breaks Working middle-income Americans won’t need to itemize to claim these tax deductions and credits — if you qualify.
-
Over Age 65? New $6,000 'Senior Bonus' Deduction Is Available Even If You ItemizeTax Changes If you’re an older adult, a new bonus tax deduction could provide a valuable tax benefit. Here's how it works.
-
Another State Rebels Against Trump’s New 2025 Tax Law: What Now?State Taxes Even if states adopt tax policies in the so-called ‘big beautiful bill,’ lawmakers may have workarounds at their fingertips.
-
Ask the Editor, August 29: Tax Questions on Estate and Gift TaxesAsk the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer questions from readers on estate and gift taxes.
-
Will You Get a ‘Surprise’ Tax Bill on Your Social Security Benefits in Retirement?Retirement Taxes Social Security benefit payments might land you in hot water when filing 2025 taxes — here are three reasons why.
-
Ask the Editor, August 22: Tax Questions on What Congress Will Do NextAsk the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer questions from readers on what Congress will do next with taxes.
