The IRS estimates 984,000 taxpayers who did not file a federal income tax return in 2009 have a tax refund waiting for them. Of those, approximately 9,800 are Iowans with combined refunds of almost $8,000. If you think you are one of the eligible Iowans, move quickly because April 15, 2013, is the deadline to file a return for tax year 2009 and collect that refund. If no return is filed by the deadline, the money goes to the U.S. Treasury.

Why would someone not collect their refund? It likely wasn't intentional. If a taxpayer's income was low enough that they didn't have to file, most people don't file. It seems logical, but, if taxes were withheld from your paycheck, you must file a refund to get that withholding back. In addition to the unclaimed refunds, some individuals may be missing out on the Earned Income Tax Credit that you must file a federal income tax return to receive. Don't have your 2009 tax documents? You can request copies of W-2s from your employer, and the IRS has prior year tax forms and instructions available. For more information, visit the IRS News Release. But move quickly, April 15 is the deadline for 2009 tax years. While you are at it, consider whether you have a refund waiting for 2010, 2011 or 2012.