2020 taxes filed in 2026

Jilly
Jilly Member Posts: 1 Newcomer
in General

I filed my 2020 taxes this year without income to receive stimulus check. Will I receive the refund

Answers

  • Julesann69
    Julesann69 Member Posts: 3 Newcomer

    No. The return has to be filed within 3 years to receive the federal stimulus or any refund. If you file later than 3 years, you do not receive the refund but you do have to pay any amount owed plus interest and penalty.

  • MatthewD
    MatthewD FreeTaxUSA Admin, FreeTaxUSA Agent Posts: 1,002 image

    Keep in mind that the 3-year statute of limitations begins on the filing deadline. The deadline for 2020 was April 15, 2021. Three years after that was April 15, 2024, which is way past the time to file and claim a stimulus credit. Sorry.

  • GregW
    GregW Star Posts: 6 image
    edited June 3

    While there is normally a 3-year statute, recent court cases and legislation have led some observers to believe that the statute was suspended during the pandemic. If they are correct, you have until July 10, 2026 to file returns for 2019 through 2022 and still receive your refund. The IRS is appealing the Kwong decision so there is no guarantee this will hold up. You can read the Taxpayer Advocate's take on this here: https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/news/nta-blog/beyond-penalties-and-interest-how-kwong-may-affect-missed-tax-refunds-part-iv/2026/05/

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