(WHNT) – If you did not file a tax return in 2017, you may still be able to file and get a refund if you act before the deadline.

The IRS said Monday that the agency is sitting on $ 1.3 billion in reimbursements owed to approximately 1.3 million taxpayers who have not yet filed.

The law gives taxpayers a three-year window to file a return for previous years.

“The IRS wants to help taxpayers who need to be reimbursed but have not yet filed their 2017 tax returns,” IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said. “Time is running out for these taxpayers. There is only a three-year window to claim these refunds, and the window ends on May 17th. We want to help people get those refunds, but they’ll have to file a tax return for 2017 quickly. ”

IRS officials estimate the midpoint for returns to be $ 865, which means half of unsent refunds are over $ 865 and half are below $ 865.

For taxpayers who send their return by post, it must be stamped no later than May 17.

Checks can be withheld if filers did not deposit in 2018 or 2019, and will be applied to any debts owed to the IRS or state tax agency, as well as child support unpaid or federal debt, such as student loans.

Eligible taxpayers can also receive the earned income tax credit, up to a value of $ 6,318.

People with incomes less than the following amounts are eligible for the credit:

• $ 48,340 ($ 53,930 if you are married and filing jointly) for those with three or more eligible children;
• $ 45,007 ($ 50,597 if you are married and filing jointly) for people with two eligible children;
• $ 39,617 ($ 45,207 if you are married and filing jointly) for those with an eligible child, and;
• $ 15,010 ($ 20,600 in the case of a joint marriage) for persons without eligible children.

Forms for current and previous tax years can be found on the IRS website or by calling (800) IMPT FORM.

Filers missing a W-2, 1098, 1099, or 5498 should request them from the appropriate organization (such as their employer, bank, or other payer). If the copies cannot be obtained directly from the organization, they can be requested through the IRS, either in line or by filling out form 4506-T.

State-by-State Estimates of People Who May Be Eligible for Income Tax Refunds in 2017 (by IRS)