Quick answer for Washington taxpayers

• About $1.2 billion in 2022 federal refunds remains unclaimed nationwide.
• Washington accounts for an estimated 37,500 potentially eligible taxpayers.
• The IRS estimates about $34.7 million in potential unclaimed refunds in Washington.
• The median potential refund for Washington taxpayers is $738.
• The general deadline to claim a 2022 refund is April 15, 2026.

If you missed filing in 2022, do not assume the money is gone or that the IRS will automatically send it.
In most cases, you need to file the return to claim the refund.

Why this matters in Monroe, WA

Many people miss an older tax return because life gets busy. A job change, a move, caregiving, school,
self-employment, or messy records can easily push a prior-year return to the bottom of the list. That is
one reason this story matters for local taxpayers in Monroe and across Washington.

If you want help close to home, our local Monroe, WA bookkeeping and tax preparation support for individuals and small businesses is designed for people who need practical next steps, not more confusion.

If you are a business owner, contractor, or side hustler, prior-year filing often overlaps with bookkeeping cleanup. In that case, it helps to pair tax prep with organized records so you are not trying to reconstruct everything at the last minute.

What the IRS says about unclaimed 2022 refunds

According to the IRS, more than 1.3 million people nationwide may still be owed a refund for tax year 2022. For Washington alone, the IRS estimates roughly 37,500 taxpayers may still be due money, totaling about $34.7 million in potential refunds.

The IRS also notes that its refund estimate does not include every credit that may still apply. That means some taxpayers could have additional value on the table if they file an accurate return and qualify for credits. For official details, review the IRS news release on the April deadline to claim a 2022 federal tax refund and the IRS Earned Income Tax Credit eligibility guidance for individuals.

Another important detail: the IRS says a 2022 refund may be held if 2023 and 2024 tax returns have not been filed. In some cases, refunds may also be applied to certain unpaid debts. That is one more reason to review your filing history before you assume a refund will be paid out in full.

What should Washington taxpayers do if they never filed a 2022 return?

Start with the basics: gather income records, locate any old tax documents, and make a list of anything
missing. If you no longer have your W-2s, 1099s, or other supporting forms, the IRS says you can first ask employers, banks, or other payers for copies.

If you still cannot find everything you need, these official IRS resources can help:

• how to get an IRS wage and income transcript online for an older tax return
• IRS prior-year tax forms and instructions for 2022 returns
• IRS refund tracker information for prior-year federal returns

Once your documents are in one place, the next goal is accuracy. That is especially true if you were
self-employed, changed jobs, had multiple income sources, or are still trying to separate business and
personal transactions. Our year-round bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation services in Monroe, WA are built to help reduce that kind of stress.

Why local tax help in Monroe can make this easier

Prior-year returns are rarely just about one missing form. They often involve incomplete records, unanswered questions, or a pile of financial tasks that has been growing for months. Local support can make a big difference when you need help organizing documents, understanding next steps, and getting the return filed correctly.

If you want to keep researching before you book, these related resources may help:

• how to choose a tax professional you can trust in Monroe, WA
• why filing your tax return early can help you get your refund faster
• learn more about our tax and bookkeeping team in Monroe, Washington

When you are ready for one-on-one help, you can schedule a tax preparation appointment with our Monroe, Washington office.

FAQ: Unclaimed 2022 tax refunds in Washington

What is the deadline to claim a 2022 federal tax refund?

The IRS says taxpayers generally have until April 15, 2026, to file a 2022 federal return and claim a refund.

How much could Washington taxpayers still be owed for tax year 2022?

The IRS estimates about 37,500 Washington taxpayers may still be owed roughly $34.7 million in 2022 federal refunds, with a median potential refund of $738.

What if I am missing my 2022 W-2 or 1099 forms?

Start by asking employers, banks, or other payers for copies. If that does not solve it, the IRS offers
transcript tools and prior-year forms that can help you rebuild what you need for filing.

Can I still qualify for credits if I never filed my 2022 return?

Possibly. The IRS says its estimate of unclaimed refunds does not include every credit that may apply, so some taxpayers could still qualify for additional benefits if they file an accurate return.

Will the IRS hold or offset my 2022 refund?

The IRS says a 2022 refund may be held if 2023 and 2024 returns have not been filed. The refund may also be applied to certain unpaid federal or state debts, child support, or other past-due obligations.

Need help with a past-due 2022 return in Monroe, WA?

Your Local Bookkeeper helps individuals and small businesses get organized, clean up records, and move forward with more confidence. If you want help sorting through old tax documents or preparing a prior-year return, visit our Monroe, WA tax and bookkeeping contact page or call (360) 913-4777.