Have You Received Your Tax Refund?

The IRS is holding $123.5 million in the form of 107,831 refund checks that went undelivered because of mailing errors. If you had expected a refund but did not receive one, go to "Where's My Refund?" tool. [hotlink to http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96596,00.html?portlet=8] You'll need your Social Security number, filing status and the amount of the refund shown on your 2008 return in order to track the status of your refund.

To avoid nondelivery next year, use a direct deposit option. This is available whether you file by paper or electronically. You can split your refund into as many as three approved accounts/investments:

• Checking or savings accounts
• IRAs
• Health savings accounts
• Coverdell education savings accounts
• U.S. savings bonds

Source: IR 2009-101, 11/5/09