Ward Eight Councilman Leon Tejada is urging Providence residents who did not file federal tax returns in 2005 to check their records and file because they may be entitled to money from the federal government.

The IRS reports that approximately $1.3 billion from 2005 have gone unclaimed. To collect this money, individuals must rile a tax return by April 15, 2009. Many people didn’t file a tax return because their income was lower than the minimum required to file, but they may still have had taxes withheld from their paychecks and they may have been eligible for tax credits.

“By simply filling out a form, many people will receive much needed funds in these tough economic times,” said Tejada. “The IRS estimates that the average person owed money in Rhode Island will receive more than $600. For many people, that’s the equivalent of one month’s rent or multiple trips to the supermarket.”

Current and prior year tax forms and instructions are available on the Forms and Publications web page of IRS.gov or by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676). Information about the Earned Income Tax Credit and how to claim it is also available on IRS.gov. Taxpayers who need help also can call the toll-free IRS help line at 1-800-829-1040.