Thousands of Taxpayers Due Refunds

WASHINGTON - Over 97,700 taxpayers have yet to receive their 1994 refund checks according to the Internal Revenue Service. The undeliverable refunds total over $81 million, an average of $834 per check.

These refund checks were returned by the Postal Service because they were unable to deliver them. Many taxpayers move and do not give IRS their new address and thousands of other refund checks have incorrect names or addresses.

The IRS says many taxpayers can avoid delays in getting their refund by sending IRS a change of address -- Form 8822 -- when they move. Also, taxpayers who file electronically can have their refund deposited directly into their bank account. This year, for the first time, taxpayers who file paper returns will have the option of direct deposit by filing Form 8888 with their return. Direct deposit eliminates the possibility of lost, stolen or undeliverable refund checks.

Though every year there are thousands of undeliverable refunds, the total is small compared to the total number of refunds. Last filing season 79 million refunds were delivered averaging $1,175.

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