Today marks the final opportunity for California residents and other U.S. taxpayers to file their 2020 tax returns and claim any uncollected refunds before the money is forfeited to the U.S. Treasury. The IRS has maintained a three-year window for taxpayers to file their returns and collect refunds, with the deadline for 2020 returns falling on May 17, 2024, following an extension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Steps to Claim Your 2020 Tax Refund

To claim a refund for 2020, taxpayers must mail their tax returns, as electronic filing for previous years is not available. Tax software can assist in completing the necessary forms, but the physical return must be printed, signed, and postmarked by May 17, 2024. The appropriate IRS regional office address for mailing can be found in the IRS Form 1040 instructions.

Recovery Rebate Credit

Many taxpayers may also be eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit, which allows individuals who missed or did not receive the full amount of their economic impact payments (stimulus checks) from 2020 to claim the missing amounts on their tax return. To determine eligibility and the amount owed, taxpayers can review their IRS online accounts or the mailed notices (1444, 1444-B, 1444-C) detailing the payments received.

Important Documentation

To file the 2020 tax return, taxpayers will need various forms such as W-2s and 1099s. If these documents are missing, the IRS suggests contacting employers or banks for copies, or ordering a wage and income transcript from the IRS.

Potential Refund Offsets

Taxpayers should be aware that the IRS may offset refunds to cover outstanding debts, including past-due federal taxes, state taxes, unemployment compensation debts, child or spousal support, and other federal obligations like student loans. Notices explaining the offsets will be sent by the IRS or the Treasury Offset Program.

Contact Information for Assistance

For questions about federal tax debt offsets, taxpayers can call the IRS at 800-829-1040. For other offsets, the Treasury Offset Program can be reached at 800-304-3107.