Does The IRS Owe You Money? Here’s How to Find Out and Get it Back

While the standard April 15 tax deadline has passed, a significant new window has opened for millions of Americans. Tens of millions of taxpayers may be eligible for refunds or abatements of penalties and interest from the COVID-19 disaster period, but they must act by July 10, 2026. This “protective claim” window is a critical opportunity for those who may have been assessed interest during the 3.5-year disaster period.

These unclaimed funds result from unfiled returns where withholdings or refundable credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit, were not claimed. Since the IRS says billions of dollars in unclaimed funds is at stake each year—including over $1.2 billion in refunds from 2022 that remain unclaimed—it’s worth the effort to figure out if you are one of those who is owed money.

The New July Deadline: Protective Claims

Following the recent Kwong decision, the IRS is facing claims that the disaster period effectively suspended certain filing and payment obligations. To preserve your rights, you may need to file Form 843, Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement, by July 10, 2026. Experts recommend writing “Protective Refund Claim Pursuant to Kwong Case” across the top of the form to ensure you are in line for your refund if the Department of Justice’s appeals fail.

What happens to unclaimed refunds?

The IRS retains unclaimed refunds for three years from the original filing deadline of the tax year in question. For instance, the deadline to claim a 2023 refund is typically April 15, 2027. If unclaimed within this period, the money is transferred to the U.S. Treasury’s general fund, becoming property of the federal government. Once this happens, taxpayers lose all rights to recover it, regardless of eligibility.

Does the IRS owe you money?

There are several ways to find out if the IRS is holding your refund, including updated digital resources for 2026.

• Check IRS tools. Visit the IRS website and use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool at irs.gov/refunds. You’ll need your Social Security Number, filing status, and exact refund amount.
• New for 2026: The Tax Debt Help Tool. Launched in April 2026, the IRS Tax Debt Help Tool is a self-service interactive guide that allows you to explore resolution options and non-filing status without entering a Social Security Number initially.
• Review Past Returns. Check your W-2s or 1099s to see if taxes were withheld. For 2024, single filers with incomes under $14,600 (or $29,200 for joint filers) aren’t required to file but could still claim refunds for withheld taxes.
• Verify Interest on Overpayments. For the second quarter of 2026 (April–June), the interest rates on overpayments are 6% per year for individuals, compounded daily. If the IRS has held your money, they likely owe you interest at this rate.

How to claim your refund

Once you confirm the IRS owes you money, first, file a return! If you did file but it had errors, file Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) within three years of the original filing date. If a refund check was returned, submit Form 8822 (Change of Address) to ensure any reissued checks reach you. For checks that went undelivered or were lost, complete Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund) to initiate a replacement.

Claiming refunds for a deceased relative

Heirs may claim a deceased relative’s unclaimed tax refund under specific IRS rules. Note that Form 1310 was recently revised to reduce paperwork; you no longer need to file it if you are a court-appointed representative filing an original return. However, if you are claiming a refund on an amended return (Form 1040-X) for a decedent, Form 1310 is still strictly required.

Conclusion

Unclaimed tax refunds represent a significant opportunity to recover money due you, but the 2026 landscape requires navigating new July deadlines and updated digital tools. Whether for yourself or a loved one, diligence in navigating these procedures ensures you don’t leave money on the table.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated as of May 13, 2026, to reflect the new July 10 protective claim deadline following the Kwong case and the Q2 2026 individual interest rate of 6%. Additional updates include the introduction of the 2026 IRS Tax Debt Help Tool and procedural clarifications for filing Form 1310 for deceased relatives.