Undelivered and unclaimed tax refund checks refer to federal and state tax refunds that the IRS and state tax agencies were unable to deliver to taxpayers, or that were never claimed by the taxpayer.

Reasons for Undelivered or Unclaimed Refunds:

• Incorrect Mailing Addresses: Taxpayers may have moved or changed their bank accounts since filing their tax returns, and the IRS or state tax agency does not have the current information.
• Checks Lost or Stolen: Refund checks can get lost in the mail or stolen from mailboxes.
• Failed Direct Deposits: If the bank account or routing number is incorrect, the direct deposit will fail, and the refund may be returned to the IRS.
• Unfiled Tax Returns: Taxpayers who are eligible for a refund but don’t file a tax return will have their refunds go unclaimed.
• Missed Credits or Deductions: Taxpayers may have missed out on credits or deductions that could have resulted in a larger refund, and didn’t amend their return within the allowed time.
• IRS Errors: In some cases, errors by IRS staff in updating computer files or transcribing addresses can also lead to undeliverable refunds.

How to Claim an Undelivered or Unclaimed Tax Refund:

1. Check the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool: This tool allows taxpayers to track the status of their refund and see if it has been issued.
2. Request a refund trace: If the IRS indicates the refund was issued but the taxpayer hasn’t received it, they can request a refund trace to track the check or direct deposit.
3. File a tax return: Taxpayers who are eligible for a refund but haven’t filed a return need to file to claim it.

To Get Started

Visit the IRS Tax Refund Status Site https://sa.www4.irs.gov/wmr/