The IRS recently announced that it currently has $153.3 million in undelivered refund checks. Over 99,000 taxpayers didn’t get their refund checks delivered due to mailing address errors. The average refund for each check was $1,547.
If you think you may be due a refund, or just want to double check, go to www.irs.gov and select the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. This tool will provide status of refunds, and in some cases, instructions on how to solve delivery problems. If you don’t have access to email you can access the Internal Revenue Service refund hotline by calling 1-800-829-1954.
The best way to assure you receive all tax refunds is to file your tax return electronically and select direct deposit for refunds so they go directly into your bank account. This is usually the fastest way to receive a refund as well.
Beware if you receive an email that appears to be from the IRS regarding a refund or other tax information. Such emails are common phishing scams. The IRS does not contact taxpayers by email regarding refunds or to request personal data. I personally have received some of these phishing emails on a couple different occasions.
If your address has changed, there are several ways to notify the IRS to ensure you receive any refunds or correspondence including:
- Use the new address when filing your return – when the return is processed, your address will be updated.
- Complete Form 8822 – this form can be used if you’ve already filed your return. You can download the form from the IRS website www.irs.gov.
- Write to the IRS – send a letter notifying them of the new address. Include yours (and your spouses if applicable) old and new addresses, social security numbers or Employer ID number. Be sure the request is signed by you (and your spouse if applicable). Send the request to the same service center where you filed your last return.
Tax forms, refunds, notices, etc. will be mailed to the last address provided by the taxpayer.
Be aware that if you are waiting for a refund from an amended return that was filed, it can take over 6 months for the IRS to process the amended return and send the refund!
