Is it too late to claim refund for 2021 tax returns?

[pearl12970]

I am about to file my 2021 tax returns, and am wondering if I will still get my refund or is it already past the deadline / grace period?

[NCperson · Accepted solution]

@pearl12970 - the deadline for 2021 tax year is April 15, 2025 - you have some time left 

the final deadline to obtain a refund is always three years from the original tax deadline

[xmasbaby0]

A 2021 tax return must be filed by mail; it cannot be e-filed.   If you want to prepare your 2021 return using TurboTax software:

You cannot change the tax year.   The current online program is for 2023 only.   Only a 2023 return can be prepared online and only a 2023 return can be e-filed.

Online preparation and e-filing for 2020, 2021, and  2022 is permanently closed.

Note:  The desktop software you need to prepare the prior year return must be installed/downloaded to a full PC or Mac.  It cannot be used on a mobile device.

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2020, 2021, or 2022  you can purchase and download desktop software to do it, then print, sign,  and mail the return(s)

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You may also want to explore purchasing the software from various retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s, etc.

Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/help/how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue/0... 

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

[lnk-fr]

Does it account for the October extension if filed for it? Meaning deadline is 10/15/2025 if you applied for the extension and haven't filed yet. I've been getting two opinions and unsure since I'm not a tax pro but I checked the irs publications and haven't found the deadline to claim refunds has anything to do with the due date of the original return, but rather when you file the return and how much you can get refunded depends on when you made the payment (3 year+extension lookback window) I'd love to hear your take. 

https://www.irs.gov/filing/time-you-can-claim-a-credit-or-refund

How much credit or refund you can receive
The amount of credit or refund you can receive depends on when you file your claim.

You file a claim within 3 years from when you file your return
Your credit or refund is limited to the amount you paid during the 3 years before you filed the claim, plus any extensions of time you had to file your return.

@NCperson @xmasbaby0 

[lnk-fr]

Generally it's 4/15/2025 but it's unclear if if 10/15/2025 if you filed for the extension.

Have you ever filed before? (not refund claim)
It seems to depend on that. 

[NCperson]

@lnk-fr if you filed for an extension for the 2021 tax year back in April 2022 and it was accepted, then the deadline to claim a refund for the 2021 tax year is Oct 15, 2025.

[megaritzmom]

It's true that you have 3 years from the date the taxes were due to file your federal return and still receive a refund. In Oklahoma, however, they say that you can't get money back that was sent to them more than 3 years ago. So if the last withholding or payment with coupon was sent in December, 2021, and you file in January, 2025 or later, too bad. You are still supposed to file a return though even if it's too late for a refund unless you are exempt.

[lnk-fr]

I'm not a tax pro and still getting others to take a look, but technically it's 3 years from the date you filed the return, and not the due date. 
Then, they have a lookback period of 3 years (plus extension if you automatically qualified as expat or applied for the october one) BUT they'll only refund you what you paid during the lookback period. 
https://www.irs.gov/filing/time-you-can-claim-a-credit-or-refund

If you filed a return 10 years after the April/Oct due date and made payments 2 years before filing, you'd still be able to get a refund from that payment.

[lnk-fr]

Do you have the irs publication that states this so I can show my accountant?  Thank you! @NCperson 

[BrittanyS]

Can you clarify which publication you are looking for?

@lnk-fr 

[lnk-fr]

@BrittanyS The one that will tell me that because I filed the extension in 2022 for 2021 returns, I can file and claim refund until 10/15/2025 instead of 4/15/2025 @BrittanyS 

It was in response to @NCperson 's comment that said "if you filed for an extension for the 2021 tax year back in April 2022 and it was accepted, then the deadline to claim a refund for the 2021 tax year is Oct 15, 2025."

[NCperson]

@lnk-fr 

https://www.irs.gov/filing/time-you-can-claim-a-credit-or-refund#:~:text=You%20can't%20get%20a,time%....

"When you didn't file a claim within the 3-year or 2-year expiration dates

You can't get a credit or refund if you don't file the claim within 3 years of filing your original return, or 2 years after paying the tax, whichever is later, unless you meet an exception that allows you more time to file a claim."

Agree with the IRS in writing to extend the time limit to assess tax: The time limit is specified in your agreement, plus 6 months, to claim a credit or refund.

[lnk-fr]

Thanks for replying. I don't quite understand what your stance is and was wondering if you can clarify.

"Agree with the IRS in writing to extend the time limit to assess tax: The time limit is specified in your agreement, plus 6 months, to claim a credit or refund."

Are you saying that I need to write to the IRS to extend the time limit? I don't think this is correct. 

-

My understanding now is that the 3 year rule starts after the tax return is filed. 
The 2 year rule is 2 years from when the tax was paid. Whichever is later. 
I have missed the 2 year rule because it's been over 2 years since I paid, but I haven't filed a return yet, so when I do, the clock starts ticking. I can file a refund claim 3 years later but since:

"You file a claim within 3 years from when you file your return

Your credit or refund is limited to the amount you paid during the 3 years before you filed the claim, plus any extensions of time you had to file your return."

I wouldn't get any refunds from what I paid in 2021 and 2022 in this hypothetical. 

[lnk-fr]

in oklahoma? so this is for state taxes.
for federal they allow 3 years plus any extensions you had as a lookback period for payments. 

[MonikaK1]

This IRS webpage provides a good explanation of the statute of limitations for Federal refunds.

The latest date, by law, you can claim a credit or federal income tax refund for a specific tax year is generally the later of these 2 dates:

• 3 years from the date you filed your federal income tax return, or
• 2 years from the date you paid the tax.

This time period is called the Refund Statute Expiration Date (RSED).

If you filed your return before its due date, the IRS considers it filed on the due date. If you had income tax withheld or paid estimated tax during the year, we consider those payments to have been made on the return due date.

@lnk-fr