The deadline is approaching for several thousand Alaska workers who have yet to collect their federal income tax refunds from 2011.
In order to reclaim their money from the federal government, the estimated 5,300 taxpayers would need to file a 2011 federal tax return no later than April 15 or that money will become property of the U.S. Treasury.
The Internal Revenue Service estimates that Alaskans have left behind about $5.7 million in unclaimed refunds. The IRS estimates that about half of the refunds are worth more than $795.
"People sometimes think they don't make enough money to have to file a return," IRS spokesman David Tucker said Friday. "What they don't realize is there may be credits they may be eligible for that may provide them with a refund."
For example, the Earned Income Tax Credit could be worth as much as $5,751 to certain low- and moderate-income earners, Tucker said.
Tucker said there is no penalty for filing a late return for those who are owed a refund. Taxpayers seeking a 2011 refund would do well to file for 2012 and 2013 too; otherwise, their checks may be held.
Those who made less than $60,000 a year can find out whether they are eligible to receive a refund and for approximately how much before sending in the return through the IRS free file program. Free tax preparation assistance is also available through the AARP Foundation.