IRS won't tell you, but experts spill how you may claim a COVID refund
USA Today
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Millions of taxpayers might be eligible for substantial IRS refunds related to the COVID-19 era. Tax advisors are guiding individuals on how to claim these unclaimed funds, which stem from specific COVID-19 relief provisions.
- Key Points: Employee Retention Credit (ERC): This tax credit, part of COVID-19 relief, allowed businesses that kept employees on their payroll despite pandemic-related shutdowns or revenue declines to claim a credit. The credit could be up to \$26,000 per employee for 2020 and 2021.
- Eligibility Criteria: Businesses qualified if they experienced a significant decline in gross receipts or were fully or partially suspended due to government orders. Eligibility depends on specific quarter-by-quarter calculations.
- Claiming the Refund: Taxpayers who did not claim the ERC when they filed their original tax returns can still do so by filing an amended return. The deadline for amended returns is generally three years from the date the original return was filed or two years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later.
- Guidance and Support: Tax professionals are actively informing taxpayers about the ERC and assisting them in navigating the complex application process to ensure they receive the refunds they are due.
- Potential Impact: The ERC represents a significant financial benefit for eligible businesses that may have overlooked or were unaware of this provision during the pandemic.
