What is the time limit and statute for filing for a tax refund?

Many individuals are working on reducing taxes that they will have to pay for the coming year, but it is important to know the applicable tax refund statute of limitations for your jurisdiction.  The tax refund statute of limitations is different in every state and if you miss the state deadline, you may miss out on your opportunity to claim a refund.  If you have been successful in reducing taxes for the taxable year and are thinking of claiming a federal tax refund, the federal tax refund statute of limitations stipulated that you must file within 3 years from the date the original tax return was filed with the IRS, or 2 years after the time that the tax is paid, whichever period of time is later. Again, failure to file for a refund within the statutory period may result in loss of your ability to get your refund.  Federal claims for a tax refund should be made by filing Form 1040X with the IRS.