The IRS has indicated that almost a million taxpayers are due tax refunds that have not yet been claimed, because they have not yet filed a federal tax return for 2010. As there is a three year deadline for such claims the returns must be filed by 15 April in this year. The refunds may however be held by the IRS if the taxpayers have not yet filed tax returns for 2011 and 2012. The refund could also be used to pay child support, past federal debts or other amounts owing to the IRS. The IRS points out that by failing to file a tax return many people could also be losing their chance to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit.