You Can Claim More Than $686 in IRS Refunds From 2022: Here’s How
Posted on 03/26/26 at 15:39
More than 1.3 million people in the United States have yet to claim their tax refund for the 2022 fiscal year.
According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), about $1.2 billion is still available for those who did not file their return on time.
The deadline is clear: taxpayers have until April 15 to claim that money before losing it permanently under the IRS 2022 tax refund deadline.
- Why it matters: This refund can represent a significant source of income for millions of households.
In many cases, the amount exceeds $686, which can help cover essential expenses or reduce debt.
Who can claim IRS 2022 refunds?
The IRS estimates that the average refund is $686, meaning many people could receive even more.
- This money belongs to taxpayers who did not file their federal income tax return (Form 1040) for 2022.
- The law provides a three-year window to claim these funds.
- If the return is not filed within that period, the money automatically becomes property of the U.S. Treasury.
Additionally, those who have not filed may be missing out on extra benefits.
One of the most important is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), designed for low- to moderate-income individuals and families.
Find out how much you could receive with the EITC
The EITC can significantly increase your refund.
For the 2022 tax year, this credit could reach up to $6,935 for taxpayers with qualifying children.
Income limits to qualify were:
- Up to $53,057 (or $59,187 for joint filers) with three or more children
- Up to $49,399 (or $55,529 jointly) with two children
- Up to $43,492 (or $49,662 jointly) with one child
- Up to $16,480 (or $22,610 jointly) with no children
This means many individuals may be missing not only the base refund but also additional credits that significantly increase the total amount.
What you need to do to claim your 2022 refund
The process begins by filing your 2022 tax return—even if several years have passed.
To do this, you need to gather key documents such as W-2s, 1099s, or other income records.
If you don’t have them, there are alternatives:
- Request them directly from your employer or financial institution
- Use the IRS online tool to obtain a free wage and income transcript
- Submit Form 4506-T to request a transcript (this may take several weeks)
It’s important to act early before the deadline to avoid losing your money.
What happens if you have debts or missing filings?
The IRS warns that refunds may not always be issued directly.
If you have outstanding debts, the money may be used to cover obligations such as:
- Unpaid taxes
- State debts
- Child support
- Defaulted student loans
Additionally, if you have not filed your 2023 and 2024 tax returns, your 2022 refund may be held until your tax situation is up to date.
You may also like: Got Your Tax Refund? Here’s How to Invest It and Make It Grow
States with the most unclaimed refunds
The IRS has identified several states with a high number of eligible taxpayers:
- California: Over 143,000 people, average refund of $680
- Florida: Around 89,000 people, average of $638
- Georgia: More than 45,000 people, average of $645
- New York: Over 67,000 people, average of $757
- Pennsylvania: More than 48,000 people, average of $703
These figures highlight the scale of unclaimed money across the country.
What’s next: The clock is ticking toward April 15, and those who do not act in time will permanently lose their refund under the IRS 2022 tax refund deadline.
Reviewing your tax situation and filing your 2022 return could make the difference between recovering that money or leaving it with the U.S. Treasury.
