Old addresses create IRS check backlog

Four unclaimed in Brown County

By FRITZ BUSCH Journal Staff Writer

MANKATO - The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced Thursday that 399 Southern Minnesotans have not yet claimed their economic stimulus or regular refund checks.

First District Congressman Tim Walz urged taxpayers still waiting for IRS checks to update their addresses so the IRS can send them out.

"If you haven't gotten your check yet, the time to act is now - the IRS needs your updated address by Friday, Nov. 28," Walz stated in a press release.

Brown County residents who have not yet claimed stimulus or refund checks include Sleepy Eye residents Waldemar and Jean Harmening, James J. Hernandez and Garrett M. Meyer; plus Springfield resident Cory B. Prescott.

Addresses can be updated with the "Where's My Refund?" tool at IRS.gov.

It enables taxpayers to check the status of their refunds.

Taxpayers must submit their Social Security number, filing status and amount of refund shown their 2007 return.

The tool will provide the status of their refund and in some cases, provide instructions on how to resolve delivery problems.

Taxpayers without internet access should call 1-866-234-2942.

In Minnesota, the average economic stimulus check was $560.

Taxpayers who continue to have trouble receiving their checks or have other outstanding issues with the IRS should contact Walz's Rochester office at 507-206-0643.

Through September 2008, the government distributed 116 million economic stimulus payments. About 279,000 checks remain undeliverable across the country.

(Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com).