Senator Carper Reveals that an Estimated 3,800 Delawareans Have Unclaimed Tax Refunds

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) revealed that as many as 3,800 Delawareans are owed a tax refund from FY 2010 due to unfiled tax returns.  Delawareans stand to gain $3,126,000, with a median refund of $573.

“At a time when too many families are wading through a tough economy, it’s imperative that every American receive the tax refunds they’re owed by the federal government,” Senator Carper said. “I encourage any Delawareans who have not filed taxes in 2010 or have yet to receive their tax refunds visit the IRS’ website and ensure they’re collecting the returns they deserve.”

Taxpayers may also have unclaimed tax refunds if the mailing address on file was undeliverable. Refund checks are mailed to a taxpayer’s last known mailing address, and returned to the IRS if the person is no longer listed at that address. Taxpayers can update their mailing address on the IRS website to ensure that the most current information is on file, and taxpayers may also check their refund status using the IRS’ “Where’s My Refund?” tool on its website. Using the secure website, taxpayers can enter their social security number, refund amount from their return, and filing status to track outstanding returns or mailing address issues. Inquiries made on the website will be updated within 72 hours. People who prefer to contact the IRS by phone can call 1-800-829-1954.

Taxpayers who did not file a 2010 return and those with undelivered refunds have until April 15, 2014 to claim their payments or else it will go to the federal government.

Nationwide, the IRS owes more than 900,000 people approximately $759.9 million in unclaimed tax refunds.

More information on this issue can be found on the IRS’ website here.