IRS Still Has Money From 2005 Tax Returns

There are unclaimed refunds totaling approximately $1.3 billion for those who did not file a federal income tax return for 2005, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

Florida has the second-largest piece of the pie behind California.

There are about 99,300 residents who can still collect $108,162 from the IRS, according to a media statement released earlier this week.

There is a deadline to collect the money.

A return for 2005 must be filed with the IRS no later than Tuesday, April 15.

"Especially in these tough economic times, people should not lose out on money that is rightfully theirs," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman in a media release. "People should check their records, especially if they had taxes withheld from their paychecks but were not required to file a tax return. They may be leaving money on the table, including valuable tax credits that can mean even more money in their pockets."

In cases when a return is not filed, the law offers most taxpayers the opportunity to claim a refund within three years. If no return is filed, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury.

The median estimated refund for Florida taxpayers who didn't file for 2005 is $609.

Current and prior year tax forms and instructions are available on the Forms and Publications Web page of www.IRS.gov or by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM.

There also is a toll-free IRS help line at 1-800-829-1040.