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By Sam Stevenson
Associate News Editor
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More than a million Americans could forfeit tax refunds worth $1.2 billion unless they file overdue 2022 returns by the April 15 deadline, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has warned.
Why It Matters
More than three years have passed since the 2022 tax year, putting unclaimed refunds at risk of expiring under federal law.
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Once the deadline passes, that money no longer belongs to taxpayers, and "time is running out," according to the IRS.
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What To Know
The IRS said more than 1.3 million people nationwide still have not filed a federal tax return for 2022, leaving an estimated $1.2 billion in refunds unclaimed.
Taxpayers who miss the April 15 cutoff will permanently lose the chance to receive that money.
Refunds vary by individual, but the IRS estimates the median payout for unfiled 2022 returns is $686, meaning half of eligible taxpayers are owed more than that amount.
These figures do not include additional credits that some filers may qualify for.
Under U.S. tax law, taxpayers generally have three years to file a return and claim a refund. After that window closes, any unclaimed funds are transferred to the U.S. Treasury.
For 2022 returns, that window shuts this April.
The IRS has also emphasized that filing a return is about more than recovering withheld taxes.
Many low- and moderate-income workers could still qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit for 2022, a benefit designed to support families and individuals with lower incomes.
At the time, the credit was worth up to $6,935 for eligible taxpayers with qualifying children, depending on income and family size.
Even taxpayers who no longer have their paperwork are not necessarily out of options.
The IRS said copies of missing W‑2s or other tax documents can often be requested from employers, banks, or other payers.
Prior-year tax forms and instructions remain available through the agency’s website and by phone.
The IRS also published a state-by-state breakdown estimating how many people may still be owed 2022 income tax refunds, along with the median refund and the total potential dollars left unclaimed in each state.
Across the U.S., the agency estimates about 1,322,600 individuals could be due refunds, totaling roughly $1.159 billion.
California and Texas stand out on the headline numbers: California has an estimated 143,200 people who may be owed about $124.7 million in total, while Texas has about 126,000 people who could be due roughly $111.7 million.
Florida is also high on the list, with an estimated 89,000 individuals and about $74.5 million in potential refunds.
What People Are Saying
The IRS said: “Time is running out to claim $1.2 billion in refunds for tax year 2022.
"By not filing a tax return, taxpayers stand to lose more than just their refund of taxes withheld or paid during 2022.
“The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2022 tax refund that their funds may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2023 and 2024.
“In addition, any refund for 2022 will be applied to amounts still owed to the IRS or a state tax agency and may be used to offset unpaid child support or other past due federal debts, such as student loan debts.”
What Happens Next
As the April 15 deadline approaches, the IRS is expected to continue urging late filers to act before refunds expire.
The warning also lands amid broader conversations about tax compliance, household finances, and the growing impact of missed benefits on lower-income Americans.
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