DETROIT -- Unclaimed refunds totaling more than $40 million are awaiting nearly 42,800 people in Michigan who did not file a federal income tax return for 2006, the Internal Revenue Service announced Tuesday.

The IRS said in order to collect the money, a return for 2006 must be filed with the IRS no later than April 15, 2010.

The IRS estimates that the median unclaimed refund for tax-year 2006 is $618.

The law requires that the return be properly addressed, mailed and postmarked by that date. There is no penalty for filing a late return qualifying for a refund. Though back-year tax returns cannot be filed electronically, taxpayers can still speed up their refunds by choosing to have them deposited directly into a checking or savings account.

The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2006 refund that their checks will be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2007 or 2008. In addition, the refund will be applied to any amounts still owed to the IRS and may be used to satisfy unpaid child support or past due federal debts such as student loans.

File: IRS Online