IRS Pub 4298 – A Federal Tax Refund May Be Waiting For You – Many hardworking Americans leave thousands of dollars in federal tax refunds unclaimed every year simply because they didn’t file a return or didn’t realize they qualify for refundable tax credits. IRS Publication 4298, titled “A Federal Tax Refund May Be Waiting For You (even if you’re not required to file)”, is a free IRS resource designed to help you discover if money is owed to you through credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), and American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC).
Download the latest IRS Pub 4298 here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4298.pdf (Revised January 2026).
This official flyer from the IRS highlights how even low- to moderate-income individuals and families can receive substantial refunds by filing a tax return, regardless of whether they owe taxes.
What Is IRS Publication 4298?
IRS Pub 4298 is a concise, taxpayer-friendly publication (often used as a marketing flyer) that explains refundable tax credits. These credits can reduce your tax bill to zero and generate a refund—even if you had little or no federal income tax withheld or weren’t required to file a return.
The IRS regularly updates and promotes this publication through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, community organizations, and its website to reach people who might otherwise miss out on benefits for essentials like housing, groceries, transportation, or education.
Key takeaway: If you worked in recent years, have qualifying children, or paid for higher education, a refund could be waiting.
Who Qualifies for These Refunds?
You may be eligible if you:
- Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) issued by the due date of the return (including extensions).
- Earned income from work (wages, self-employment, etc.).
- Have qualifying children living with you (for EITC or CTC).
- Paid qualified higher education expenses (for AOTC).
Pub 4298 targets individuals who might think “I don’t make enough to file” or “I didn’t owe taxes, so no refund.” In reality, refundable credits can put money directly in your pocket.
Major Refundable Credits Covered in IRS Pub 4298 (2025 Tax Year)
For tax year 2025 (returns filed in 2026), here are the maximum amounts highlighted:
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Up to $8,046 (3+ qualifying children), $7,152 (2 children), $4,328 (1 child), or $649 (no qualifying children). Income limits apply (e.g., up to about $61,555–$68,675 for families with 3+ children, depending on filing status). Investment income must generally be $11,950 or less.
- Child Tax Credit (CTC) / Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC): Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under age 17. Up to $1,700 per child can be refundable (ACTC) if you owe little or no tax. Earned income of at least $2,500 is typically required for the refundable portion.
- American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC): Up to $2,500 per eligible student for the first 4 years of higher education, with up to $1,000 refundable.
These credits help cover everyday expenses and are especially valuable for working families and students.
How to Check If a Federal Tax Refund Is Waiting for You?
- Use IRS Online Tools:
- Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA): Answers questions about eligibility for credits.
- EITC Assistant: Specifically checks Earned Income Tax Credit qualification.
- Where’s My Refund?: Tracks status if you’ve already filed (available 24 hours after e-filing).
- Review Past Years: You generally have 3 years from the original due date to file a return and claim a refund. In early 2026, this includes tax years 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Missing the deadline means the money goes to the U.S. Treasury.
- Check for Undelivered Refunds: If you filed but never received a check or direct deposit, use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool or call the IRS to trace it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Claim Your Refund
- Gather documents: W-2s, 1099s, education expense records, and SSN/ITIN details for you and dependents.
- File a return: Use Form 1040 for the relevant tax year(s). E-file if possible for faster processing.
- Get free or low-cost help: Visit IRS.gov/VITA or IRS.gov/TCE for free preparation at community sites (especially helpful for EITC and CTC claims).
- Choose direct deposit: It’s the fastest and safest way to receive your refund.
- Note processing delays: Returns claiming EITC or ACTC are typically held until mid-February or later (e.g., early March in some seasons) for fraud prevention.
Pro tip: Even if your income was below the filing threshold, file anyway to claim these credits.
Why People Miss Out on Tax Refunds?
Common reasons include:
- Assuming no filing requirement means no refund.
- Life changes (moving, job loss) leading to undelivered checks.
- Lack of awareness about refundable credits.
- Errors on returns that delay processing.
The IRS estimates billions in unclaimed refunds over the years, with specific campaigns for older tax years like 2021 (deadlines have passed for some).
Get Help and Avoid Scams
- Official resources: IRS.gov/refundablecredits and IRS.gov/eitc.
- Free tax preparation: VITA (for low-income) and TCE (for seniors).
- Phone assistance: Use the IRS refund hotline or main line, but expect wait times—online tools are faster.
- Beware of scams: The IRS never demands immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfers. Always verify communications.
Download IRS Pub 4298 today and share it with friends or family who might qualify: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4298.pdf. A Spanish version is also available on IRS.gov.
Don’t Leave Money on the Table
A federal tax refund could help with bills, savings, or family needs. IRS Publication 4298 is your starting point to understand eligibility and take action. File on time, use direct deposit, and consult free IRS resources or a trusted tax professional.
Start today at IRS.gov—your refund may be waiting. For the most current details, always refer to official IRS publications and tools, as amounts and rules can be adjusted for inflation or legislation.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional or the IRS for your specific situation.