JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — $64 million in unclaimed tax refunds is up for grabs in Florida.
Action News went to the IRS to find out how folks can see if they're owed money.
There's more than a billion reasons nationwide to make sure you filed your 2011 taxes.
"It's a lot of money. It's a lot of people not getting their return," said taxpayer Fidelis Eke.
"I think it's a big deal, but the question is how do they get it into people's pockets?" said taxpayer David Engler.
You have to do the IRS paperwork online. These refunds aren't for everyone: just for those who didn't file their 2011 federal income tax return.
"They have a three-year window to claim a refund. For three years prior, that would be from 2011. The statute expires on April 15," said IRS spokesperson Michael Dobzinski.
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You still have to file to get the money.
"I've been working with the IRS for quite a few years and this comes out every year," Dobzinski said. "It doesn't surprise me, but I'm still a little bit baffled how people can forget to file a tax return, particularly if they've got money coming."
Take a look at how the unclaimed refunds break down. We found out the IRS estimates there are more than a million Americans who didn't file in 2011.
Nationally, each return averages about $700. That adds up to over $1 billion in available federal income tax refunds. In Florida, that breaks down to more than 67,000 unfiled tax returns from three years ago. Each refund breaks down to just above the national average at $720 with more than $64 million available.
So, is part of it yours? The IRS tells us current and prior year tax forms and instructions are available on the IRS.gov Forms and Publications page, or by calling toll-free: 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). Taxpayers who are missing Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 for the years 2011, 2012 or 2013 should request copies from their employer, bank or other payer.
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