Did you move after filing your income tax return for 2008? If you did, then the government may have some money waiting for you.
It’s estimated that up to $123 million in unclaimed tax refund checks have been returned to the IRS, for the simple reason that they could not be delivered to the proper people in a given address. In some cases, the handwriting on the tax forms was illegible and caused the checks to be mailed to the wrong places.
The average amount for these checks is about $1,100, and it wouldn’t hurt to get these checks even if it’s not as much as that. With debts piling up all over the place, these tax refund checks are a welcome debt relief option.
What to do
The first thing to do is update your address with the IRS. You can do this through their website or their local offices. You may need to fill up Form 8822, depending on your situation.
Next, you have to dig up your copy of your 2008 income tax return papers. You will also need to present your Social Security number and the status of your return’s filing. Make sure you can show to the IRS your tax refund through your income tax return.
Finally, you can also inquire if the tax refund can be deposited directly to your bank account. There are instructions on how to do this in the return itself, or you can seek assistance from your local IRS office.
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