Iowans are filing for CD refunds faster than any other state in the nation and as a result, individuals may end up with a refund of about $15 each. The deadline to file a claim is midnight March 3.

The basis for the refunds is an antitrust case in which Iowa and other states allege the nation’s top distributors of recorded music and three large retailers entered into illegal conspiracies to raise the price of CDs and other recorded music, according to a consumer advisory released in January by Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and the Iowa Department of Justice.

The suit claims the defendants acted illegally to stop other retailers from offering CDs at discount prices. Legal action is aimed at restoring competition in the industry, according to court documents.

The five major record labels — BMG, EMI, Sony, Universal and Warner Bros. — are named in the lawsuit.

Bob Brammer, spokesman for the Iowa Attorney General’s office, said Monday that, of the 2.8 million claims filed nationwide, 75,876 were filed by Iowans.

“Iowa has 2.7 percent of all the claims filed, even though [Iowa] is only 1 percent of the population,” Brammer said. “We think [the refunds] will be about $15 each, depending on how many apply.”

Those who have purchased prerecorded music products, including CDs, cassettes and vinyl albums, from one or more retailers from 1995 through 2000, are entitled to the refund. Consumers may file only one claim.

Brammer it’s worth taking the few minutes to file a claim and urges young people to do so.

“We’re especially eager to have young people apply because they’re the largest purchasers of CDs,” he said. “I encourage people to spread the word by telling friends and family about the refunds.”

Brammer said the record companies are still in the midst of the settlement.

“They haven’t acknowledged any wrong doing, but they’re changing their process,” he said.

It only takes a few minutes to file a claim and Brammer said proof of purchase is not required. Claimants will be asked for name and address, date of birth and the last four digits of their Social Security Number. Information will be kept confidential, he said. Claims also may be filed by businesses and on behalf of persons who have died, according to the consumer advisory.

To file a claim online, go to www.MusicCDsettlement.com. To file a claim toll-free by phone, call 1-888-314-5051. To request a claim form via mail, write to Compact Disc Claims Administrator, P.O. Box 1650, Faribault, Minn. 55021-1650.