TurboTax

File with experts
File your taxes
Experts at your fingertips

An expert helps with your taxes, or does them for you
TurboTax Expert Full Service

TurboTax Expert Assist

TurboTax Self-Employed
Prior year taxes
File myself
File myself
Do it yourself

We'll guide you step-by-step
TurboTax Do It Yourself

TurboTax Self-Employed

TurboTax Desktop
TurboTax Free

Activate your product

Prior year taxes
Business
Business
Business taxes

Get your T2 corporate return done right, your way
TurboTax Business

TurboTax Business Desktop
Tax situations
Tax situations
Tax situations

Find extra guidance for your big life moves
For investors

For 25 and younger

For self-employed

For new to Canada

For life changes
Resources
Resources
Resources

Explore tax tools, get tips, and read reviews
Personal income tax calculator

RRSP savings calculator

Learning hub

TurboTax support (FAQ)

TurboTax community
Pricing

Level 1

Solved

Refund expires after 3 years

1 reply
31 views

I understand an individual has 3 years to claim an IRS tax refund from the previous year. After 3 years the refund expires and can no longer claim the refund. Question: After 3 years can the individual apply the refund to future returns for tax owed to the IRS?

Alumni - Champ

No, you cannot use the refund for future taxed owed.

In most cases, an original return claiming a refund must be filed within three years of its due date for the IRS to issue a refund.

Generally, after the three-year window closes, the IRS can neither send a refund for the specific tax year, nor apply any credits, including overpayments of estimated or withholding taxes, to other tax years that are underpaid.

Answer

Alumni - Champ

No, you cannot use the refund for future taxed owed.

In most cases, an original return claiming a refund must be filed within three years of its due date for the IRS to issue a refund.

Generally, after the three-year window closes, the IRS can neither send a refund for the specific tax year, nor apply any credits, including overpayments of estimated or withholding taxes, to other tax years that are underpaid.