IRS Warns of Deadline to Claim $1.2B in Tax Refunds

Estimated median refund is nearly $700 for eligible taxpayers.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 1:44am

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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reminding taxpayers that the deadline to claim an estimated $1.2 billion in tax refunds from 2022 is quickly approaching. The IRS estimates the median refund amount to be nearly $700 for those who are eligible.

Why it matters

Millions of Americans are owed tax refunds from 2022, and the IRS is urging them to file their claims before the deadline to ensure they receive the money they are owed. This is especially important for lower-income individuals and families who may rely on tax refunds to make ends meet.

The details

The deadline to claim the 2022 tax refunds is April 18, 2023. After that date, the unclaimed refunds will become property of the U.S. Treasury. The IRS estimates that around 1.5 million taxpayers have not yet filed their 2022 returns to claim their refunds.

  • The deadline to claim 2022 tax refunds is April 18, 2023.

The players

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

The federal agency responsible for administering and enforcing federal tax laws.

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What’s next

Taxpayers who have not yet filed their 2022 returns should do so as soon as possible to claim their refunds before the April 18th deadline.

The takeaway

This serves as an important reminder for taxpayers to stay on top of their tax filings and claim any refunds they are owed, as unclaimed refunds can add up to significant sums that could make a real difference for many households.