Many companies featured on Money advertise with us. Opinions are our own, but compensation and
in-depth research may determine where and how companies appear. Learn more about how we make money.

  1. Taxes
  2. Tax Refund

The IRS Is Sending Special Refund Checks to 1.6 Million Taxpayers This Month

By: Mary Ellen Cagnassola
Mary Ellen Cagnassola, expert in Social Security, retirement, housing, and Reporter at Money
Mary Ellen Cagnassola
Reporter | Joined May 2024
Mary Ellen (M.E.) Cagnassola joined Money as a reporter in 2022 covering retirement, housing, employment, personal debt, lifestyle and more. Her reporting is informed by a dedication to service and equity.
See full bio
Editor: Julia Glum
Julia Glum, expert in the IRS, taxes, credit scores, saving, colleges, mobile payment apps, and News Editor at Money
Julia Glum
News Editor | Joined February 2018
A graduate of the University of Florida, Julia has more than five years of experience in personal finance journalism. In addition to overseeing news coverage, she leads Money’s tax coverage, which includes extensive reporting on tax credits, policy changes and the IRS.
See full bio
Published: Sep 20, 2022 4 min read
IRS forms with hundred dollar bills
Money; Getty Images

You may receive a surprise in the mail from the IRS this month — but don't worry, it's a good one.

The federal agency is sending out $1.2 billion in collective refunds or credits to roughly 1.6 million taxpayers who got hit with fees for filing their 2019 or 2020 federal income tax returns late. The majority of eligible Americans are set to receive those refunds by the end of September.

Most people won’t have to take any action to receive the money, according to the IRS, unless they still haven’t filed for those years.

For those in the latter category, there’s still time: Taxpayers won’t be subject to late-filing penalties if they file their returns for 2019 and 2020 by Sept. 30. If you’re one of them, be sure to act now to avoid monthly fees, which can equal as much as 25% of your unpaid tax bill.