Almost 24,000 Alabamians are owed money from the IRS but the deadline to claim the funds is approaching.

Some 1.5 million people across the U.S. have unclaimed refunds for tax year 2019, the agency said, totaling about $1.5 billion with an average of $893 per person. Alabama’s average is slightly lower – $880 per taxpayer – with 23,900 people potentially eligible to claim money.

“The 2019 tax returns came due during the pandemic, and many people may have overlooked or forgotten about these refunds,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in a statement. “We want taxpayers to claim these refunds, but time is running out. People face a July 17 deadline to file their returns. We recommend taxpayers start soon to make sure they don’t miss out.”

READ MORE: IRS has important updates for tax filers

Taxpayers typically have three years to file and claim their tax refunds. If they fail to do so, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. Delays from the COVID pandemic pushed 2019 return deadlines back to July 17, 2023 and that’s the deadline to claim the 2019 funds.

READ MORE: Tax deadline is approaching: Don’t forget – there’s a change in this year’s deadline

An important reminder from the IRS for those who claim the money – People seeking their 2019 tax refunds could have their checks held if they’ve not filed returns for 2020 or 2021. Also, the refunds will be applied to any amounts still owed to the IRS or state tax agency, used to offset unpaid child support or past-due federal debts, such as student loans.

You can go here for more information on claiming your refund.