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Time is running out for more than 28,000 Arizona taxpayers to claim their 2021 tax refund

Arizona tax form
Sky Schaudt/KJZZ
Arizona tax form.

Arizona taxpayers should act now to claim more than $24 million in refunds for the 2021 tax year.

More than 28,000 Arizona taxpayers are due for their 2021 tax refunds. The IRS estimates a median potential refund per person is estimated at $680.

IRS spokesperson Jeanne Rohrer urges people to act before the April 15 deadline.

“It’s directed at people who did not file a federal tax return in 2021 for whatever reason, they could be eligible for a refund and they don’t even know it,” said Rohrer.

Under the law, taxpayers have three years to file and claim their tax refunds before the money becomes property of the U.S. treasury.

By missing out on a return, people stand to lose more than just their refund. Many low- and moderate-income workers may be eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable tax credit.

Rohrer emphasizes taxpayers seeking a refund will be ineligible for their refunds if they have not filed their 2022 and 2023 tax returns.

Current and prior year tax forms can be found on the IRS.gov website.

Rohrer urges people who don’t make enough money to still file their taxes.

“They can get money back, and they could possibly be eligible for some of the credits that they didn’t know about. So, it's a good idea even if you don’t meet the income threshold to go ahead and file the returns anyways,” said Rohrer.

If you have an outstanding refund not claimed by the deadline, the balance will be applied to outstanding debts owed by the taxpayer to the IRS or state tax agency, or be used to offset unpaid child support or other past due federal debuts such as student loans.

“Taxes are complicated,” said Rohrer. “If it seems daunting, you’re not alone. That's why there are professional tax preparers out there that can help you.”

Rohrer says for those who don’t want to pay someone to do their taxes for them, to visit irs.gov/forms-instructions.

“The website is a plethora of information, you can find answers to just about every question you have," Rohrer said.

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Hailey Jimenez is an intern at KJZZ. She currently attends the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and Barrett the Honors College at Arizona State University.