New York (WSYR-TV) – The IRS says its looking for close to 10,000 New Yorkers who are owed a a combined $14.5 million in the form of refund checks that were returned to the IRS by the U.S. Postal Service due to mailing address errors.
“We want New Yorkers to get this money as soon as possible. If you think you are missing a tax refund, take a few minutes to go on IRS.gov or call the toll free IRS refund Hotline,” said Dianne Besunder, IRS spokeswoman for New York.
Taxpayers can update their addresses with the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov. The tool enables taxpayers to check the status of their refunds. A taxpayer must submit his or her social security number, filing status and amount of refund shown on their 2008 return.
All a taxpayer has to do is update his or her address once, and then the IRS will then send out all checks due. Undeliverable refund checks for New York taxpayers average $1,581 this year, compared to $1,061 last year. Some taxpayers are due more than one check.
Taxpayers checking on a refund over the phone will be given instructions on how to update their addresses. Taxpayers can access a telephone version of “Where’s My Refund?” by calling 1-800-829-1954.
The IRS encourages taxpayers to choose direct deposit when they file their returns because it puts an end to lost, stolen or undeliverable checks. Taxpayers can receive refunds directly into personal checking or savings accounts. Direct deposit is available for filers of both paper and electronic returns.
The IRS also encourages taxpayers to file their tax returns electronically because e-file eliminates the risk of lost paper returns. E-file also reduces errors on tax returns and speeds up refunds.
E-file coupled with direct deposit is your best option; it’s easy, fast and secure.
