IRS releases list of undelivered refunds

Idahoans have nearly $500,000 to claim

By :EXPRESS STAFF

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is looking for 485 Idaho taxpayers who are due refund checks worth $473,984, after those checks were returned as undeliverable, according to a statement issued today by the agency. The refund checks, averaging $979, can be claimed as soon as taxpayers update their addresses with the IRS.

Nationwide, 107,831 taxpayers had about $124 million in refunds returned to the IRS. The average national undelivered refund is $1,148.

Refund checks are mailed to a taxpayer's address on his/her tax return. A refund check is normally returned as undeliverable when a taxpayer moves without updating his or her address with either the U.S. Postal Service or the IRS.

"It's hard to believe this many taxpayers don't miss their tax refunds, but it happens year after year," said IRS spokesperson for Idaho , Karen Connelly. "In today's challenging economy, every little bit helps."

There are several ways for taxpayers to update their addresses and claim their refunds. The  "Where's My Refund?" tool on www.IRS.gov enables taxpayers to check the status of their refunds. The tool will provide the status of the refund and, in some cases, provide instructions on how to resolve delivery problems. If accessing the Internet is not possible, taxpayers can call 1-800-829-1954 and receive instructions on how to update their mailing information.

The IRS encourages taxpayers to use Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit can put an end to undelivered refunds, as well as lost or stolen refund checks. Direct Deposit is available for filers of both paper and electronic returns. Direct Deposit used in combination with e-File is a safe, easy and quick way to get tax refunds.