IRS refund deadline today: Who’s eligible to file, how to file and why taxpayers shouldn’t miss the date
Millions of Americans are still entitled to a tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), but many only have until July 10 to receive the money. A federal court has ruled that the Internal Revenue Service should extend tax filing and payment deadlines during the COVID-19 national disaster.
Erin Collins, a state taxpayer advocate, said the relief will not be automatic. Most eligible taxpayers must file an appropriate refund request or amended return by the deadline to preserve their legal claims.
Collins further warned that even if the court’s ruling ultimately stands, taxpayers who miss the deadline may permanently lose their chance to recover the money.
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Who may be eligible?
“Potentially impacted taxpayers should review their records immediately and consider whether a refund request, amended return, original return, abatement request, or protective claim is required,” Collins wrote.
A protective refund claim allows a taxpayer to preserve the right to a refund while litigation is pending. Filing such a claim does not guarantee payment, but it can prevent taxpayers from losing their legal rights if the court ultimately upholds the ruling.
The National Taxpayer Advocate says taxpayers should have their records reviewed if they:
1. File a tax return during COVID-19 relief and incur penalties or interest.
2. Penalties or interest paid or still owed for late submissions or payments during that period.
3. Late submission of international information declaration form.
4. Missing a claim for refundable credits, withholding credits, estimated taxes, or other tax benefits during a disaster.
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How to apply for a refund?
The forms required depend on the type of refund sought.
Taxpayers seeking a refund of penalties or interest should generally file Form 843 (Refund Claim and Request for Relief). Collins recommends writing a “Protective Chargeback Claim” Kwong case“Because the lawsuit is still pending.”
Those seeking corrections to income, deductions, filing status, or tax credits should file an original or amended tax return, generally using Form 1040-X for the applicable tax year.
Collins urged taxpayers not to wait until the final days before the deadline.
“Filing a claim does not guarantee relief. But missing the deadline could permanently prevent taxpayers from receiving the refunds to which they are ultimately entitled,” she wrote in a blog post.
