Unclaimed Refunds: Still Waiting for a Refund Check from the IRS?

Don't become part of these statistics! Read on for the latest data on unclaimed tax refunds due to wrong mailing addresses or incorrect bank account numbers.

See options to receive your tax refund.

Returned Tax Refund Checks and Bounced Bank Deposits

What would you do with an extra $1,547?

$1,547 is the average dollar amount of IRS Tax Refund checks that were returned to the IRS in 2010 because they were undeliverable. In total, 99,123 refund checks totaling $153.3 million went undelivered due to incorrect mailing addresses or wrong bank account numbers.

What if you moved or changed bank accounts since you filed your tax return and and the IRS does not have your new mailing address or new bank account number? Here is what you need to update this information. 

Here is how you can claim your missing refund check:

1. Your Refund check was returned to the IRS you might be able to change your address online.  

2. Call 800-829-1040 to verify your mailing address or your bank account.

3. If you can't update your mailing address online, please download and mail in Form 8822 to the address listed on the tax form.

4. Next time, efile your taxes and sign up for direct deposit. It is more accurate, and you get your refund faster!

  View the latest efile and direct deposit statistics.

Missed Opportunity - Unclaimed IRS Tax Refunds 

Maybe you thought your income was so low that you did not have to prepare and efile or file a tax return. Even if this was the case, did you know that you still might be eligible for a tax refund? For example, you might have had a job and taxes were withheld every month but you did not file a tax return because you had too little income. Yes, you might be able to claim this money in form of a tax refund.  Or taxes were not withheld but you might be eligible for a refundable EIC (Earned Income Tax Credit).

Here is how to correct this: 

1. Use the FREE efile.com tax calculator and estimate your tax refund.

2. You must file a tax return no later than three years from the date the tax return was due. There are no penalties if you do not owe taxes but are eligible to claim previously unclaimed tax refunds.  After three years, unclaimed tax refunds become the property of the government or specifically the U. S. Treasury.

Download prior year tax return forms here. Remember that you must use the tax form for the tax year for which you are filing a tax return. Unfortunately, you can only do this by mailing in a paper tax return, since the IRS does not accept previous year tax returns electronically.

3. Call 800-829-1040 to verify your mailing address.

Remember, if you are eligible for a refund, there is no IRS penalty! 

 
  Tax refund check or tax refund direct deposit?

  Advantages of direct bank deposit of your tax refund

  Check your current Tax Refund Status.