California trying to give back $20 million in tax refunds

Wonder why your state tax refund never came this year? Well, it may have gone to a different address.

But don’t worry, California is holding on to the check -- and wants to give it back.

The United States Postal Service returned nearly 47,500 income tax refunds this year, mostly because taxpayers moved after they filed their returns, but never provided new addresses.

The state Franchise Tax Board says it has more than $20 million in returned checks, ranging from $1 to $50,000.

Taxpayers can update their addresses online at the Franchise Tax Board’s website. Once they do, the agency says it will automatically reissue the refunds.

If you are unsure about the status of your refund, you can visit the agency’s Check Your Status page.

California has issued more than 10.7 million refunds as of Nov. 24. The checks total $10.5 billion.

Twitter: @khouriandrew