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TAX TIPS
Last Chance for 2000 Refunds
by Kevin McCormally

Time is running out for nearly 2 million taxpayers to claim refunds they deserve from 2000. Yes, I said 2000. The IRS is sitting on more than $2.5 billion of unclaimed refunds and, if they're not claimed by April 15, the government gets to keep the money forever. Half the checks are for more than $500 each.

The money is owed to people who failed to file 2000 returns. Maybe they forgot. Maybe they didn't know they had to file. Or maybe they missed the deadline and were afraid to file late.

Whatever the reason, if you are among this group, you stand to lose money that was withheld from your paychecks for taxes.

And, get this: There is NO penalty for filing late if you have a refund coming, as these 2 million taxpayers do. The return to claim a 2000 refund must be filed by midnight April 15.

If you or someone you know -- perhaps a teenager who had a summer job in 2000 or an elderly relative -- needs to file for a 2000 refund, you can get the necessary forms at www.irs.gov. Or call the IRS at 800-829-1040 for help.