Did you file a tax return for 2011? (It was due April 15, 2012.)
Don’t worry; we aren’t here to get you into any trouble. In fact, we just want to help get your money back.
The IRS has $1 billion in refunds waiting for an estimated 1 million taxpayers who didn’t file a federal income tax return in 2011.
You have up to three years from the filing deadline to submit a tax return and claim a refund. That means you need to file by April 15, 2015, in order to receive a refund from the 2011 tax year.
In short: You have about 35 days to file a 2011 return and get your refund back. Otherwise, it’s gone forever.
Good News:
There’s no penalty for filing late if you were due a refund.
You can come into any H&R Block office for help filing your 2011 return.
In addition to federal refunds, there is more than $1 billion in state refund money still able to be claimed for 2011. So make sure to file your state tax return as well.
Bad News:
The return can’t be e-filed. It also can’t be prepared with current-year versions of online or software tax prep products. You will need to work with a professional, purchase a previous year software product or prepare the return by hand, and then mail it. It will need to be postmarked on or before April 15, 2015.
A mailed return can take up to 16 weeks to process. So it may be awhile before you receive that refund. However, you’ve already waited three years, what’s 16 weeks more?
Your refund check could be held if you have not also filed tax returns for 2012 and 2013. So go ahead, rip the bandage off and file any previous year returns that are outstanding at the same time.
If you owe back taxes, maybe to your state, unpaid child support, or other debts eligible for an offset, your refund may be used to pay those obligations.
Get help now
“People could be missing out on a substantial refund, especially students or part-time workers,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. “Some people may not have filed because they didn’t make much money, but they may still be entitled to a refund.”
So don’t delay. H&R Block can help get you back what you’re owed, but only until April 15. Visit one of our offices for help today.
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