If you didn’t file a federal income tax return for 2021, you might be missing out on some serious money. The IRS says more than 102,000 Texans are owed a total of $94.7 million in unclaimed refunds—and the clock is ticking. With a median refund of $810, it’s worth checking whether you’re eligible. The deadline to file and claim your 2021 tax refund is May 15, 2025, and once that date passes, the money is gone for good.
Overview
Every year, billions in tax refunds are never claimed—often just because people didn’t know they needed to file a return. Whether it’s confusion, lost documents, or assuming they didn’t earn enough to qualify, too many individuals leave money on the table. In 2021, Texans alone left nearly $95 million in refunds unclaimed. The IRS is urging everyone to act now and reclaim what’s rightfully theirs.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Unclaimed Refunds (U.S.) | Over $1 billion |
| Unclaimed Refunds in Texas | $94.7 million |
| Affected Texans | 102,200 individuals |
| Median Refund | $810 |
| Filing Deadline | May 15, 2025 |
| Eligible Tax Year | 2021 |
| Potential EITC | Up to $6,728 (2021 tax year) |
| Source | IRS.gov |
Why Refunds Go Unclaimed
There are a lot of reasons why people don’t file. Some assume they earned too little to bother. Others may have lost jobs, faced illness, or experienced life disruptions that pushed tax filing down the priority list. Even students and part-time workers often skip filing without realizing they might qualify for refunds or credits.
And here’s the catch: the IRS only holds onto unclaimed refunds for three years. After that, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury. For 2021 tax returns, the deadline to file is May 15, 2025.
What’s at Stake
In Texas alone, more than 102,000 residents are potentially owed a median refund of $810. That’s enough to cover a car repair, groceries, or help pay down credit card debt. And that’s just the average. Many may qualify for even more, especially if they’re eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can be worth up to $6,728.
| Qualifying Children | Max EITC (2021) |
|---|---|
| 0 | $1,502 |
| 1 | $3,618 |
| 2 | $5,980 |
| 3 or more | $6,728 |
How to Claim Your Refund
Filing an old tax return might sound complicated, but it’s actually pretty simple when you break it down.
Step 1
You’ll need your 2021 income documents—W-2s, 1099s, or any forms showing earnings. Lost your paperwork? Ask your employer or use the IRS “Get Transcript” tool online.
Step 2
Visit the IRS Forms Archive and download Form 1040 for the 2021 tax year. You can’t e-file older returns, so you’ll need to print and mail it.
Step 3
Complete the form carefully, double-check for mistakes, and send it to the IRS address listed in the instructions. Make sure it’s postmarked by May 15, 2025.
Step 4
After mailing, you can check your refund status using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website. You’ll need your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount.
Optional: Get Help
If you need support, contact a tax preparer or visit a local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site for free help.
Earned Income Tax Credit
The EITC is a refundable credit for people who worked and earned a low to moderate income in 2021. Even if you didn’t owe taxes, you could still get a refund.
Eligibility depends on:
- Your income
- Number of qualifying children
- Filing status
You don’t need kids to qualify, but the amount increases with each child.
Mistakes That Can Cost You
Avoid these common errors when filing your 2021 return:
- Mailing to the wrong address
- Forgetting to sign your return
- Entering incorrect Social Security numbers
- Leaving out income forms (W-2s, 1099s)
- Simple math errors
- Filing after the deadline (May 15, 2025)
Using tax software or working with a pro can help you avoid costly delays.
FAQs
What is the deadline to claim 2021 tax refunds?
May 15, 2025 is the final day to file and claim refunds.
How much is the median refund in Texas?
About $810 per person, according to the IRS.
Can I still claim the Earned Income Tax Credit?
Yes, if you meet the income and family requirements for 2021.
Where can I get the 2021 tax form?
Download Form 1040 from the IRS.gov forms archive.
Do I need to mail my 2021 return?
Yes, old returns must be printed and mailed, not e-filed.
