USD 150 million tax refund waiting to be claimed

USD 150 million tax refund waiting to be claimed The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminded taxpayers on November 30 that 90,000...

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminded taxpayers on November 30 that tax refunds worth $153.3 million could not be submitted to 99,123 taxpayers this year due to incorrect email addresses. The average refund check amount was $1,547. The IRS recommends that taxpayers use electronic filing (e-file) and direct deposit (Direct Deposit) to avoid similar problems in the future. Taxpayers who believe their refund check may have been returned to the IRS as undeliverable should use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website at IRS.gov. This tool will provide taxpayers with a refund status. In some cases, guidance will be provided on how to resolve refund issues. Taxpayers can also call 1-800-829-1954, a telephone version of “Where’s My Refund?” A voice service will be provided on the phone to advise taxpayers how to update their address. While only a small percentage of checks are returned to the IRS as undeliverable, taxpayers can choose direct deposit or e-file when filing to eliminate problems such as lost, stolen or undeliverable refunds. Last year, more than 78.4 million taxpayers chose to receive their tax refunds via direct deposit. These refunds can be deposited directly into the taxpayer's bank account, into two or three separate accounts, or through the purchase of a savings bond. The IRS recommends that taxpayers use electronic filing because electronic filing eliminates the risk of loss of paper returns, reduces filing errors and speeds up refunds. Nearly 80% of taxpayers chose to file their taxes electronically last year. E-filing combined with direct deposit is the best option for taxpayers to avoid problems with their refunds. It's convenient, fast and safe. The IRS reminds the public: The IRS will not contact taxpayers via email to remind them of pending refunds and will not ask for personal or financial information via email. Internet scams often use this email method. The IRS urges taxpayers who receive such emails not to disclose any personal information, reply, open any attachments or click on any links to avoid infecting their computers with viruses. The best way to check for yourself whether you have a pending refund is to go directly to IRS.gov and use the "Where's My Refund?" query tool.