Does the IRS Have a Check Waiting for You?

Database at www.ntu.org Helps Find Tax Refunds Fastest

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 19, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Whether they need more "green" in their pockets for Black Friday shopping or to get the family budget out of the red, consumers may have some good news: nearly 112,000 Americans are due a total of $165 million in unclaimed tax refunds, and an online database from the National Taxpayers Union (NTU) can help people locate their money more easily than the IRS's version. This is the 10th year NTU and its research affiliate have sponsored the database, available as a public service at www.ntu.org.

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"In an unpredictable economy like this, just about anyone could use a little more financial certainty, and getting the tax refund they were originally due can help in a big way," said NTU Executive Vice President Pete Sepp. "This money should be returned to its rightful owners as quickly as possible, and our Tax Refund Finder at www.ntu.org is the handiest tool for the job."

Each year, thousands of refund checks are returned to the IRS as undeliverable because the taxpayer has moved, changed his or her name, or simply because the check has an incomplete or improper address. Compared to last year, the number of undelivered refund recipients (111,893) rose about 2 percent in 2010, while the average amount for each check ($1,471) increased 28 percent.

The NTU database is designed to provide the maximum flexibility of search options (by name, tax year, or state), so users can find refunds (or those of relatives and friends) that may be in limbo. If they have a refund to claim, taxpayers are directed to the IRS's toll-free number or website, where they can securely arrange to receive their money.

Although the IRS's website also has an interactive refund feature, the agency requires taxpayers to provide information that makes it difficult to use for citizens who aren't sure whether they have a refund coming, or who can't remember how much it might be.

The 362,000-member NTU was founded in 1969 to work for lower taxes, smaller government, and taxpayer rights.

SOURCE National Taxpayers Union