Page 1: Why Filing Taxes Matters, Even If You’re Late
Did you know the IRS owes people money every year? Many people forget to file their tax returns. Some think they missed the deadline and just give up. But here’s some good news: File your return, even late, to still claim your refund before the 3-year deadline closes.
That’s right! If you didn’t file your taxes, you can still get your refund, as long as you file within three years. If you wait too long, that refund money disappears forever. The IRS keeps it, and you lose it.
Let’s say you didn’t file in 2022. You still have time in 2025! But after that? Your refund could be gone for good. That’s why it’s important to understand how the 3-year deadline works.
Page 2: How the 3-Year Deadline Works
Here’s how the 3-year rule works:
- The IRS gives you three years from the original due date to file and get your refund.
- So, if your taxes for 2022 were due in April 2023, the deadline to claim your refund is April 2026.
- But if you want your money faster, you should act by April 2025.
Even if you missed filing on time, the IRS still wants you to file. Why? Because many people are owed refunds and don’t even know it. Maybe you had taxes taken out of your paycheck. Maybe you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit or other tax breaks.
The key idea here is: File your return, even late, to still claim your refund before the 3-year deadline closes.
There’s no penalty for filing late if the IRS owes you money. The penalty is only if you owe them. So, if you think you’re getting a refund, you’ve got nothing to lose, and money to gain!
Page 3: What to Do Now
Here are some steps to follow if you missed filing in past years:
- Get your documents together. Look for W-2s, 1099s, or other tax forms from your job.
- Download past year tax forms from the IRS website. You must file the correct year’s form.
- Use tax software or talk to a tax professional for help.
- Mail your return to the IRS. E-filing is not always allowed for older returns.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Every year, people lose out on billions of dollars in unclaimed refunds. That money could help you pay bills, save for something special, or cover emergencies.
And remember: File your return, even late, to still claim your refund before the 3-year deadline closes. It’s your money, don’t let it go to waste.
Finally, mark your calendar. If you didn’t file for 2021, the deadline to claim your refund is April 2025. Don’t miss it.
Take action today. File your return, even late, to still claim your refund before the 3-year deadline closes. It’s simple, it’s smart, and it could put money back in your pocket.
