WASHINGTON, DC (WGNS) - How would you like to open your mailbox and find an unexpected check for $644? According to the IRS, that’s the average unclaimed refund waiting thousands of Tennesseans who still haven’t filed their 2022 federal tax return. But there’s a catch—if they don’t file by April 15, 2026, that money disappears into the U.S. Treasury for good.

Tennessee isn’t alone. Nationwide, the IRS estimates 1.3 million people have yet to file for tax year 2022, leaving more than $1.2 billion in refunds untouched. Federal law gives taxpayers three years to file and claim a refund, and this is the final year for 2022 returns. Once the deadline passes, the window closes permanently.

Rodney Foushee, Media Relations representative for the IRS office that serves Tennessee and several neighboring states, says many people simply don’t realize they’re owed money. That’s especially true for workers who had taxes withheld from their paychecks but weren’t required to file a return at the time.

And for low- and moderate-income Tennesseans, the stakes are even higher. Some may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, which was worth up to $6,935 in 2022 for families with three or more children. Even individuals without children may qualify depending on their income.

The IRS notes that refunds could be delayed if taxpayers haven’t filed returns for 2023 or 2024. Any refund may also be applied to outstanding federal or state debts, including unpaid child support.

If missing paperwork is the holdup, the IRS says there’s still time to track it down. Employers and financial institutions can reissue W‑2s or 1099s, and the Get Transcript Online tool at IRS.gov provides quick access to wage and income information. Taxpayers can also request a transcript by mail using Form 4506‑T, though that option takes longer.

Tennesseans can find 2022 forms, instructions, and filing resources at IRS.gov or by calling 800‑829‑3676.

With the deadline just weeks away, the IRS is urging residents to check their records, gather their documents, and file—before their refund disappears for good.

State-by-state estimates of individuals who may be due 2022 income tax refunds

Based on the tax information currently available, the IRS estimated how many taxpayers in each state may be entitled to a tax refund.