Branscome: Theresa Branscome from the Internal Revenue Service.

Were you expecting a refund check but didn't get it?

• Stick around. 
• We'll tell you how you can get your money. 

Joining me is Eric Smith.  He's a spokesman for the IRS.

He's going to tell us:

• All about these undelivered refund checks.
• How many people we're talking about…
• How you can get your money as soon as possible
• And how to keep this from happening again.

Welcome… Eric.

Smith: Hey Theresa, good to be with you.

Branscome: First of all, what exactly are these undelivered refund checks?

Smith: These are tax refunds from returns, mostly returns people filed earlier this year that the IRS sent out to people but the post office returned them because we couldn’t find you.

Branscome: Well, why couldn't they be delivered?

Smith: The main reason is because a person moved and they didn’t leave a forwarding address with the post office. But you know it can also happen because the name and address listed on the return were illegible.  Maybe you didn’t write it clearly, maybe we couldn’t read it. But, we couldn’t get it to you, no matter what.
 
Branscome: How many taxpayers are we talking about?

Smith: Well for those people who file for a refund, it’s only about one in a thousand.  So not that many in a way but if you’re the one, it’s one too many. And, when you add it all up it’s about 115,000 individuals and couples. And in terms of money, it’s about 110 million dollars. So on average it’s about $950 per check.  So in many cases we’re talking about real, real money.
 
Branscome: Yeah, well, how can people get their money?

Smith: Easy to do. Just contact us. And you can do that online at IRS-dot-gov.  Click on “where's my refund?”

And you know Theresa, when you go to that link, it’s a good idea to have your return right at hand, because we’re going to ask you for some information. 

• We want to make sure you are who you say you are. 
• We’re going to need your refund amount that you’re expecting.
• We’re going to need your social security number. 
• We’re going your need filing status, single, married, whatever.

And, so with that information we can get that money right back out to you.

Branscome: Well, what if you don't have access to the internet?

Smith: If you’ve got a phone, you can give us a call –toll-free, 1-800-829-1954. Just think of the year, not that long ago for some of us.  1-800-829-1954. 

Branscome:  Okay, so you’ve contacted the IRS, how long will it take to get your check?

Smith:  Once we hear from you, it’s about four to six weeks.

Branscome:  Now is there a time limit to get this refund?

Smith: You know there really isn’t Theresa, but you know the sooner we hear from you, the sooner you’re gonna get your money.

Branscome:  And bottom line, how can you keep this from happening again?

Smith: Well you can fill out a change of address with the post office.  You know that’s usually a good idea when you move anyway.  Or you can contact us.  We can send you a change of address form, its form 8822.  You can get that online or by giving us a call we can send it out to you.

But… really, the best way -- file your return electronically;  and then choose direct deposit for your refund, and when you do that, your refund will follow you.  It’ll go right into your savings account, your checking account and if you’re traveling or moving, it just doesn’t matter.

Branscome:  So where ever you go that check ...

Smith: That check follows you!

Branscome:  As long as you have the same bank.

Smith:  That’s right!

Branscome:  Okay, well Eric, thank you so much for this information.

Smith: Oh, I’m glad to provide it and you know Theresa, I really hope we’ve helped some folks out there

Branscome:  Well, I think you have and thank you all for joining us, I’m Theresa Branscome. 

Audio File:  Undeliverable Refunds -  Theresa Branscome from the Internal Revenue Service joined by Eric Smith, 4:00 minutes long.  The audio file will open in Windows Player, and you will be able to pause, fast forward, rewind, mute, and control the volume from the interactive player. 

IR-2007-189, Nov. 14, 2007 - IRS Has $110 Million in Refund Checks Looking for a Home

Audio and Text Scripts of Audio Interviews 2008