What should I do with IRS checks sent to someone I don't know at an address that isn't even my address?

Question

I've received what looks like IRS tax refund checks (or stimulus checks) addressed to a guy I've never heard of. The address on the check doesn't even exist - it just looks like my address (same number, similar street). I've dropped them in the outgoing box multiple times and the local USPS office just keeps delivering them to me all over again. I have four checks for this idiot who obviously let his toddler fill out his tax return.

Can I destroy them? Should I put them back in the mail with something like "return to sender, address unknown"? I thought the local post office would have figured that out by now. I also thought that never happened except in Elvis songs.

Answer 1

Personally, I would put them in a NEW envelope (large enough to hold all of them) and send to the IRS with a detailed note!   It will only cost you about $1 to do this.

Answer 2

i would try bringing them back to the post office if you have time and explaing the situation to them. also you could check the IRS website for information. you could also turn them over to the state.

Answer 3

I always return them but make sure to cross out and write "addressee is unknown at the address" or you can write "no such person at address".  If USPS continues sending it to you (which they shouldn't after you label the envelope" then you can either go to the local post office or you can contact IRS, but you should not destroy it -someone is waiting for a check and you would also want your checks to be forwarded.

Answer 4

if you put them back in the mail. they should go back to whoever sent them. I would not destroy them. don't mess with the IRS

Answer 5

What GP said, send them back to the IRS, let them deal with the things, I am pretty sure legally that's what you have to do, the twerp who is waiting for them may contact the IRS anyway.

Answer 6

Put it back in your mailbox with something to the effect of Unknown Person & Address. Then it will go back to the IRS.

Do not destroy it. Let the PO take that responsibility if they want.

I guess you will just have to keep doing it until either the PO or the IRS gets the idea.

You could mail them all back to IRS at your expense if you wanted to really stop it. The PO seems to not get the drift in you town.