By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Unclaimed income tax refunds are available for a handful of Kansas taxpayers.
"People didn't file a tax return in 2016, the IRS is estimating about 14,600 of them," said Michael Devine with the IRS. "That's important because they didn't claim a refund worth, we estimate, about $15.7 million. It's important that they know that if they don't file that 2016 tax return by July 15, they're going to lose the right to claim that refund. The money then belongs to the government and they're out of luck."
It's important that all taxpayers get current, so they can get into balance with the IRS.
"If you haven't filed for several years, and you do file the 2016 return, you're going to need to get current on your taxes," Devine said. "File the 2017, 2018 and 2019 returns, too. You can't claim a refund unless you're current on your taxes."
The IRS reminds taxpayers that there is no penalty for filing late when a refund is involved. Taxpayers seeking a 2016 tax refund should know that their checks may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2017 and 2018. In addition, the refund will be applied to any amounts owed to the IRS or a state tax agency and may be used to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts, such as student loans.