Unclaimed IRS Refunds

HARTFORD — The IRS is looking for 724 Connecticut taxpayers who have a total of over $467,000 in unclaimed refunds.

The checks, which were returned as undeliverable by the US Postal Service, are as small as $1 and as large as $8,602.  The average check is for $625.

The checks could not be delivered because of incorrect names or addresses or because taxpayers moved and did not give the IRS or the US Postal Service their new addresses.

Barbara C. Shuckra, public affairs officer for the IRS Conn.-R.I. District, said that if an income tax return that shows a new address is subsequently filed, a new refund check is sent automatically.

“We hope to find these taxpayers when they file their 1999 returns,” Shuckra said.

Taxpayers can call the IRS toll-free at 800/829-1040 to inquire about refunds.

Taxpayers can avoid the possibility of their checks being lost, stolen or undeliverable, by electing the direct deposit option on their tax returns.  If moving, taxpayers should send the IRS their new address on Form 8822, Change of Address.  This form is available by calling 800/829-3676 or by downloading it from the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov.