Free Tax Assistance Site Will Help Claim Past Refunds

The IRS recently announced that for tax year 2009, approximately 7,200 Hawaii taxpayers have failed to claim almost $7.5 million in refunds.   The median potential refund for these taxpayers according to the IRS – $599.   The primary reason why so much money remains unclaimed is that many workers make the mistake of not filing a tax return when they earn less than the amount that makes filing a return mandatory.  For example, in 2009, a single person with gross income of less than $9,350 was not required to file a federal tax return.  However, by not filing a return, that person missed out on receiving a refund of any federal taxes that were withheld from his paycheck.

In addition, the $7.5 million of unclaimed refunds does NOT include federal tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, which some taxpayers might also have been entitled to receive in 2009.

The law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity for claiming a refund.  If no return is filed to claim a refund within three years, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury.  For 2009 returns, the deadline for filing a return in order to claim a refund is April 15, 2013.

The free tax assistance program at HACBED has certain sites that are able to assist taxpayers in filing their 2009 tax returns.  This service is free but available appointment slots are limited and anyone who wants to file a return must have all of the necessary documents – their W-2 and other income information for 2009, picture ID, and an original social security card.  Interested persons can contact the Program Director by emailing info@hawaiitaxhelp.org or email stamanaha@hacbed.org

For a listing of these tax sites – visit the online list or download the flyer 2013 Statewide List (pdf, 500K)

Further Questions? Call: 2-1-1 (Aloha United Way’s toll-free helpline)

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ABOUT THE FREE TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AT HACBED