How do I claim my Illinois tax returns before the April 15 deadline?

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — On Tuesday, the Internal Revenue Service announced that over 44,000 people in Illinois have unclaimed refunds for tax year 2021. And taxpayers only have until April 15 to submit their tax returns.

The IRS estimates that more than $42,000,000 in refunds remain unclaimed by Illinois taxpayers who have not filed their Form 1040, Federal Income Tax Return, for the 2021 tax year. And, they estimate the median refund amount is $892 for 2021. This estimate does not include the Recovery Rebate Credit or other credits that may be applicable.

Taxpayers have three years to file and claim their tax refunds. If they don’t file within three years, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. And low and moderate-income workers who file a tax return may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). In 2021, it was worth up to $6,728 for taxpayers with qualifying children.

In 2021, qualifying thresholds were:

• $51,464 ($57,414 if married filing jointly) for those with three or more qualifying children;
• $47,915 ($53,865 if married filing jointly) for people with two qualifying children;
• $42,158 ($48,108 if married filing jointly) for those with one qualifying child, and;
• $21,430 ($27,380 if married filing jointly) for people without qualifying children.

The IRS does note, however, that the 2021 tax refund may be held if a tax return for 2022 and 2023 has not been filed. And, if you owe money to the IRS or a state tax agency, your refund could be used for things like unpaid child support or student loans.

Current and prior year tax forms and instructions are available here or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

The IRS recommends taxpayers start to gather past information now to file before the April deadline. Here are some options:

• Create or log in to IRS Individual Online Account — You can find transcripts of past returns, tax account information, wage and income statements
• Request copies of key documents — If you’re missing Forms W-2,1098, 1099 or 5498 between the years 2021-2023, you can request copies from your employer, bank or other payers
• Get transcripts by mail — If you can’t find the missing form from your employer or the Individual Online Account, you can get a tax return mailed to you here. You can also request a transcript by calling 800-908-9946
• Request a wage and income transcript — You can also file Form 4506-T with the IRS, requesting a wage and income transcript. This show data from information returns like W-2, 1098 and Form 5498. Then, you can use the information from the wage and income transcript to file a return

Nationally, the IRS said that over 1.1 million people have more than $1 billion in unclaimed refunds from 2021.