South Alabama, Mississippi taxpayers still due refunds

The Internal Revenue Service said Thursday that it has about 108,000 unclaimed tax refunds worth more than $123 million, including nearly 250 checks for people whose last known addresses were in south Alabama and Mississippi.

The 2008 refund checks, which were mailed earlier this year, were returned as undeliverable. The IRS said it hopes people whose names appear on lists will contact the agency to update their addresses and, in turn, receive the money they're owed.

People may update their addresses using the "Where's My Refund" tool at IRS.gov, or by calling 800-829-1954. Respondents must provide a Social Security number, filing status and amount of refund on their 2008 return.

"IRS wants to get these checks to their owners as quickly as possible," said IRS spokesman Dan Boone.

"All you have to do is update your address to get your refund check reissued."

He said once an address is updated, checks should take four to six weeks to arrive.

In Alabama, $1.85 million is available, with checks averaging $1,183. In Mississippi, $741,318 is owed, and checks average $822.

The IRS reports that undeliverable refunds rose nationwide by 16 percent this year, likely because of changes in tax law, such as the First-Time Homebuyers Credit and the Recovery Rebate Credit.

The simplest way to remedy an undeliverable refund is for taxpayers to opt for direct deposit, which is available to filers of both paper and electronic returns, Boone said.

ON THE LIST?

In Alabama, see http://blog.al.com/al/2009/11/irs)seeks)to)return)185)millio.html

In Mississippi, see http://media.al.com/live/other/MS%20-%2011-05-2009.xls