NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Never filed a tax return for 2002? Maybe you should -- you could be neglecting a sizeable refund.

According to the IRS, 1.7 million tardy taxpayers are due more than $2 billion in unclaimed refunds.

But in order to get your hands on that chunk of change, you have to file that 2002 return by April 17. "We want people to get the refunds they're entitled to," IRS Commissioner Mark Everson said in a statement. "We urge taxpayers to double-check their records before the April 17th deadline. Taxpayers can't get a refund if they don't file a tax return."

The IRS estimates half of those taxpayers would get over $570.

Taxpayers who have not filed a tax return are allowed by law to claim a refund within three years before it goes to the U.S. Treasury. Individuals who file their 2002 return, but are owed a refund, will not incur a penalty, according to the IRS.

The IRS says that any refund will be held if a taxpayer did not file their returns from 2003 or 2004. The tax agency also notes that those individuals who are also delinquent on child support payments, government student loans or who owe back taxes, will be forced to forsake their refund.

To acquire a 2002 tax form and instructions on sending in your return can go to the IRS Web site or call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).

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