WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps announced today that hundreds of residents from the Central and South Coasts might have tax refunds coming to them this holiday season. Approximately 115,478 taxpayers nation-wide are due refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and there are up to 350 unclaimed checks in California’s 23rd District. The refund checks, averaging about $950, can be delivered as soon as taxpayers update their address with the IRS.

“Providing this list to taxpayers is a public service my office is pleased to offer,” said Capps. “American taxpayers who have overpaid taxes deserve their money back. A tax refund is always good news, particularly during this time of year when many Americans are feeling a financial squeeze.”

Capps is urging constituents to visit her website (www.house.gov/capps) to find a complete list of undelivered tax refund recipients from California’s 23 District.

The IRS currently has $110 million in undeliverable tax refund checks. In most cases, the checks can be claimed simply by updating your mailing address with the IRS.  A refund check is normally returned as undeliverable when a taxpayer moves without updating his or her address with either the U.S. Postal Service or the IRS.  The number of undeliverable refunds each year is a relatively small portion of all refunds returned to taxpayers. So far in 2007, the IRS has processed nearly 105 million refunds, totaling about $240 billion, either by mail or direct deposit.

Taxpayers who believe they have an undelivered check can also visit http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96596,00.html.  Those without access to the Internet who think they may be missing a refund check should first check their records or contact their tax preparer, then call the IRS toll-free assistance line at 1-800-829-1954.

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.