The Internal Revenue Service is looking for 1,619 Maryland taxpayers whose federal income tax refund checks, totaling over $1.7 million were returned to the IRS by the U.S. Postal Service due to mailing address errors.

“We want Marylanders to get this money as soon as possible. If you think you are missing a refund, please take a few minutes and visit IRS.gov or call the toll-free IRS Refund Hotline,” said Jim Dupree, IRS Spokesman. “The web site is open 24/7 to help you get your check.”

All a taxpayer has to do is update his or her address once. The IRS will then send out all checks due. Undeliverable refund checks in Maryland average $1,086 this year, compared to $1,012 last year. Some taxpayers are due more than one check.

The vast majority of checks mailed out by the IRS each year reach their rightful owner. Only a very small percent are returned by the U.S. Postal Service as undeliverable.

Taxpayers can update their addresses with the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov. The tool enables taxpayers to check the status of their refunds. A taxpayer must submit his or her social security number, filing status and amount of refund shown on their 2008 return. The tool will provide the status of their refund and in some cases provide instructions on how to resolve delivery problems.

Taxpayers checking on a refund over the phone will be given instructions on how to update their addresses. Taxpayers can access a telephone version of “Where’s My Refund?” by calling 1-800-829-1954.

The IRS encourages taxpayers to choose direct deposit when they file their returns because it puts an end to lost, stolen or undeliverable checks. Taxpayers can receive refunds directly into personal checking or savings accounts. Direct deposit is available for filers of both paper and electronic returns.

The IRS also encourages taxpayers to file their tax returns electronically because e-file eliminates the risk of lost paper returns. E-file also reduces errors on tax returns and speeds up refunds.

E-file coupled with direct deposit is your best option; it’s easy, fast and secure.