How to Collect Lost Tax Return Refunds

The IRS holds lost tax refunds until they are claimed.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) had nearly 110,000 unclaimed tax refund checks worth about $125 million at the end of 2009, and the average unclaimed check was worth $1,100, according to bankrate.com. If you lost your tax refund check or the check never made it to you, the IRS is still holding that money and you can request and claim it.

Things You'll Need

• Filing status
• Exact amount of refund

Instructions

1. Go to the IRS website called "Where's My Refund" to search for the refund you are owed. Enter your Social Security number, filing status and exact amount of the refund. If the refund was returned to the IRS, enter your current mailing address to receive a new check.

2. Request a Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund. The IRS will tell you what amount was refunded and if the check was cashed. If the check was not cashed, the IRS may issue a replacement check to you within six to eight weeks.

3. Complete the bottom portion of Form 3911 if the check was cashed but you didn't cash it. The IRS will conduct an investigation by retrieving the canceled check and comparing signatures, and will notify you of the results of the investigation in about six weeks. If they agree with your claim, it will take another six to eight weeks before you receive a replacement check.

Tips & Warnings

• If you filed a "Married Filing Joint" return, you cannot search online and have to request a Form 3911.

References

• Microsoft Network Money: Does The IRS Owe You $1,100?
• IRS: Refund Inquiries

Resources

• IRS: Where's My Refund?