Udall: 7K NM Taxpayers Have Unclaimed Tax Refunds

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall is reminding New Mexico taxpayers that April 15, 2013 is the last day to claim tax refunds for 2009. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimates that 7,100 New Mexicans are owed a total of $6.45 million, with a median refund of $567. Unless claimed, the money will become property of the U.S. Treasury.

"There's more than $6 million in the Treasury that belongs in the pockets of hardworking New Mexico taxpayers," said Udall. "That money could be better used in our state's economy making ends meet on groceries, bills and gasoline."

New Mexicans who did not file in 2009 and may be eligible for a refund can visit the Forms and Publications page of IRS.gov or call 800-TAX-FORM.

Individuals have three years to file an old return and claim refunds. There is no penalty for filing a late return that qualifies for a refund.

Many refunds go unclaimed because filers are unaware they are eligible for a return. Some individuals and families may have earned too little to require filing a tax return even though taxes were withheld from their wages or they made quarterly estimated payments towards their taxes. Additionally, some low and middle-class families who did not file may also be missing out on the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit, which is worth as much as $5,657.

Keep in mind that taxpayers seeking a 2009 refund may have their checks withheld if they have not filed tax returns for 2010 and 2011. In addition, refunds could be applied to amounts still owed to the IRS or their state tax agency, and may be used to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts such as student loans.

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