The Three-Year Window Closes on April 15, 2026

If you or your beneficiaries have not yet filed a 2022 tax return and are owed a refund, the window to claim those funds is rapidly closing. The IRS estimates that over a million taxpayers leave roughly $1.5 billion unclaimed each year. Whether resolving an oversight from a complex trust filing, an unfiled individual return, or a delayed K-1, you must act quickly. To claim a 2022 refund, your return must be filed by April 15, 2026. After that date, unclaimed funds permanently become property of the U.S. Treasury.

Credits and Withholdings at Risk

Failing to file means potentially losing out on more than just withheld income or overpaid estimated taxes. Many individuals, including younger beneficiaries or family members with varied income levels, might qualify for refundable credits. For instance, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) offers financial assistance for those meeting specific thresholds. Taxpayers might also forfeit the refundable portions of child and education credits if the 2022 return remains unfiled.

Strict Mailing Requirements

Because late 2022 returns can no longer be electronically filed, the law requires paper returns to be properly addressed and postmarked by April 15, 2026. There is no penalty for filing a late return if you are owed a refund, but timing is critical. Do not simply drop your envelope in a corner mailbox on the deadline day, as it may not receive a timely postmark. We highly recommend taking it directly to the post office well beforehand to obtain an official stamp and proof of mailing.

Prior Returns and Outstanding Offsets

Keep in mind that the IRS will hold any 2022 refund if tax returns for 2020 and 2021 are missing. Furthermore, the agency will automatically apply approved refunds to existing balances owed to the IRS, or offset them against past-due federal debts like student loans or unpaid child support.

At Sullivan & Company CPA Inc. in Burlingame, we specialize in delivering clarity and precise tax strategies. If you need assistance gathering documentation, calculating valuations, or preparing your unfiled 2022 return, please schedule a consultation with our team immediately. We need sufficient time to properly prepare the return so you can secure your proof of mailing before the deadline.