How can I file a 2019 tax return before the July 17 deadline?
There are just a few weeks left to file a 2019 tax return to obtain a piece of the $1.5 billion in refunds that went unclaimed. Here’s how.
Are you one of the 1.5 million people who failed to file a 2019 income tax return? Well, if so, you may be eligible to receive a refund. The Internal Revenue Service reported in early June that around $1.5 billion were never claimed and that if a return is filed by 17 July, those who missed the initial deadline could receive a piece of that pot.
The median refund for the 2019 tax year was $893, with the IRS breaking down the medians by state to give those who have yet to file about how much they may be leaving on the table. The 2019 tax returns were due in 2020, and before the national deadline, Congress passed a bill that increased the value of certain tax credits and benefits which led to larger tax refunds being distributed by the IRS. Typically the IRS only makes refunds available up to one year after the tax deadline for that year passes. However, given the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on household finances, a three-year extension was granted.
Where to file
For those looking for a free option, Free File USA is a good option for those with basic returns. If your return is more complicated, you can pay $49.99 for direct support to get your return submitted in time to meet the upcoming deadline.
Obtaining the necessary documents
One challenge those looking to submit a return may find is that they lack access to the financial documents necessary to report their income. Those in this situation have a few options. The first is that forms like W-2, 1098s, and others can be requested either from your employer (current or former), banks, and “other payers.” Additionally, these documents can be requested directly from the IRS using the Get Transcript Online tool. With such little time left, the IRS has made clear that this may be “by far the quickest and easiest option.”