Because you have three years to file a return and claim a refund, the window closes for the 2016 tax year on July 15. Any unclaimed refunds will go to the U.S. Treasury.

Is it a mistake to not file a 2016 tax return?

“To not file a 2016 return could be a mistake — you’d be leaving money on the table,” she warns. The IRS puts the total for unclaimed refunds at $1.5 billion for that tax year. Even if you did file, it wouldn’t hurt to double-check your 2016 return and make sure there are no errors in your favor.

What happens if you don’t file your taxes by the due date?

If you do not file a tax return for a refund before the IRS deadline, you will not have any penalties. However, the IRS does have a Statue of Limitations for refunds. You have three years from the original due date of your return to claim your refund. This means you have until April 15, 2020, to claim your 2016 refund.

When do I have to file my 2015 tax return?

Returns filed before the due date (without regard to extensions) are considered filed on the due date. example Robert’s 2015 tax return was due April 15, 2016. He filed it on March 20, 2016. He amends the 2015 return, expecting the correction to result in a refund.

How do I get a copy of my 2016 tax return?

Go to Your tax returns & documents at the bottom of the main screen (if you’re already in your return, select Tax Home in the left-hand menu first). If not already visible, select Show and then the year you’re looking for. Download .tax file to get the data file, which you can open and edit in the TurboTax CD/Download software.

What can I do with my 2016 tax refund?

Your tax refund may be held up, though, if you haven’t filed returns for 2017 and 2018, the IRS cautions. Your 2016 refund could also be applied to any amount you owe the IRS or a state tax agency. Further, it could be applied to offset any amounts you owe in unpaid child support or past-due federal debts, such as student loans.