Turun Sanomat reports on Thursday that many people--and particularly foreign workers who spend a short time in Finland--neglect to claim the tax refunds due to them.
Every December the Finnish tax office refunds some 2 billion euros in taxes that have been over-paid during the previous year. Usually they're paid straight into a bank account, but some people get a cheque cashable at Finnish banks.
Unfortunately not everyone remembers to do so. Some 8,000 people have not claimed their cash from 2013. Their average payout would be nearly 250 euros.
Typically those who fail to claim are foreign workers in Finland, Finns who've moved abroad or those who died before tax refund day. Those forgetful taxpayers have five years to reclaim their money from the tax authorities—but after that it disappears back into Finnish state coffers.
The tax administration’s website has more information on claiming tax refunds.