According to the IRS, many income tax refunds go unclaimed each year. There are several reasons why these refunds may be unclaimed, but with the following four tips, you can make sure you receive the money you're entitled to next year!

1) File Your Tax Return Every Year

A large number of unclaimed income tax refunds result from taxpayers who fail to file their tax returns each year. If you are owed a tax refund and you neglect to submit your forms, the IRS will keep your funds in an account for up to three years. So, if you forget to file a return and you're still within the three-year window, go back and file the return for that year to get your refund.

2) Double Check Your Numbers for Accuracy

Miscalculating your tax return can also lead to an unclaimed tax refund. For example, if you underreport one of your major tax deductions or forget to list one of your dependents, your tax refund could be understated by hundreds of dollars. As above, you'll still have access to the unclaimed funds as long as you're within the three-year window for amending your return. To have your return re-examined, speak with a tax accountant who can review your past returns to make sure that you haven't made any errors on your past forms.

3) Take Advantage of Every Single Tax Deduction You Can

Missing out a valid income tax deduction can also cause you lose part of your refund. Make sure that you claim all of the income tax deductions you are eligible to use. Some of the most valuable deductions include the Child and Dependent Care Credit, the Child Tax Credit, and the Mortgage Interest Deduction. If you're unsure about whether you can claim these, talk to a tax accountant or a Certified Public Accountant who is familiar with your financial situation.

4) Report Any Address Changes to the IRS

Many refunds are unclaimed because they are mailed to the wrong address. If you move during the year, report your new mailing address to the IRS to avoid this kind of error. You can also opt to receive your refund via direct deposit so that you won't have to worry about the check being lost in the mail.

Unclaimed tax refunds can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars! Don't miss out on any unclaimed tax money that you're entitled to receive! File your return every year, make sure your numbers are correct, claim all of your deductions, update your mailing address, and opt for direct deposit to avoid losing an unclaimed tax refund.