Federal and state tax collectors have launched an effort to locate Maryland taxpayers whose refund checks could not be delivered.

The Internal Revenue Service said 1,570 tax-refund checks totaling nearly $1 million were returned by the U.S. Postal Service as undeliverable. The amounts of the checks range from $1 to $25,501. The Maryland comptroller's office said it is holding 1,811 refund checks totaling $439,623 -- in amounts as high as $19,475.

The agencies said people who are missing an expected federal refund check from 1997 or earlier should call 800-829-1040. For state income tax refunds, call 410- 269-7980 or 800-MD-TAXES (800- 638-2937).

Pub Date: 12/04/98