This is the true story of a person not so different from you. Life got tough. The pandemic hit, kids were born, and work stress piled up—and like many Americans, this person didn’t file taxes for a few years. Between 2019 and 2023, they filed zero returns.
Why? Not because of fraud or revolution—just fear and overload. They feared they would owe. They feared owing a large amount in taxes. So they dodged it. But earlier this year, they finally made a bold move: to address all of it and get current.
A new beginning: Filing all at once
In early March, they returned taxes for 2021, 2022, and 2023. And then in April 2024, it was included. And by May, after they got a letter from the IRS saying 2020 was missing, they returned that one too.
So altogether, five years’ worth of tax returns were submitted—one consecutive to the other. The person was still unsure of what was to happen. Would they owe a fortune? Would there be penalties? Or would they finally get something back?
The shocking truth: Big refunds were owed
As they filed each return, the reality at last dawned on them: they had been owed big refunds annually. They discovered that they had lost money that might have come in handy during hard times.
They felt they had made a hopeless mistake. They even feared IRS budget cuts might delay or deny payment.
And then—miracles do occur.
$45,000 picked up in a single day
After several months of patience and sorting out everything in the right way, the IRS deposited over $45,000 into their bank account at once. It was the entire refund for 2021 through 2024.
Yep, that’s real. Forty-five thousand additional dollars in tax returns for four years.
Unfortunately, the 2020 refund was lost, as the IRS only allows you to claim refunds for a maximum of three years from the original due date. But even without that one loss, the following four years were a life-changing bonanza.
Mixed emotions: Grateful, but regretful too
Though thrilled with the outcome, the person admitted to having felt guilty. They’d paid credit card interest, struggled with bills, and missed investments—all while thousands of dollars in unclaimed refunds languished.
But they’re also extremely thankful to the IRS workers who worked on it, even while the agency has struggled with staffing issues.
A word of advice: Don’t wait like they did
This is a strong reminder:
If you’ve gone a few years without paying taxes, you might not owe—you might be owed. Even if you feel nervous or embarrassed, do it. You might be leaving thousands behind.
And remember, you only have three years to recover a refund from the original tax deadline. Take too long, and the money is lost forever.
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File early, not late
This individual’s tale has a positive ending, but not everyone is so fortunate. The sooner you file, the better. Whether you do it yourself, use software, or enlist professional assistance, simply begin today.
And who knows? Perhaps your shock won’t be a tax bill but a deposit with a few zeros you never knew were coming.
