The Internal Revenue Service recently revealed that more than $61 million in unclaimed refunds from the 2021 tax year are waiting for thousands of Florida residents. According to IRS estimates, 69,800 taxpayers in the state who have not yet submitted their 2021 Form 1040 are entitled to a combined total of $61,087,200, with a median refund amount of approximately $732. This figure does not account for potential additional credits, such as the Recovery Rebate Credit.

Federal law allows taxpayers three years to file and claim their refunds before the funds are transferred to the U.S. Treasury. For 2021 refunds, the deadline is approaching in April, and the IRS urges Floridians to act quickly to avoid missing out—not only on their withheld or paid taxes but also on valuable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). For 2021, the EITC offered up to $6,728 for eligible low- and moderate-income workers with qualifying children. Income limits for the credit ranged from $21,430 ($27,380 for married filing jointly) with no children to $51,464 ($57,414 for married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children.

Nationwide, over 1.1 million taxpayers have yet to claim refunds totaling more than $1 billion for 2021. To file a 2021 return, individuals can access forms like the 1040 and 1040-SR, along with instructions, at IRS.gov or by calling 800-829-3676. The IRS recommends starting now to meet the deadline and offers several filing options:

• IRS Individual Online Account: The quickest way to access tax records, transcripts, and past return information is through an online account at IRS.gov.
• Request Missing Documents: Taxpayers missing forms like W-2s or 1099s for 2021–2023 can request copies from employers, banks, or other payers.
• Mail Options: Those unable to obtain documents can request a tax transcript by mail via IRS.gov’s Get Transcript by Mail service or by calling 800-908-9946. Alternatively, filing Form 4506-T provides a wage and income transcript, though processing may take weeks.

The IRS notes that 2021 refunds may be delayed or applied to outstanding debts—such as unpaid taxes for 2022 or 2023, child support, or federal loans—if those returns remain unfiled. Taxpayers are encouraged to explore faster online options to secure their funds before the deadline.

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