Hundreds of Northern Kentucky residents have not claimed the tax refund checks the federal government mailed to all taxpayers earlier this year.

        Checks to more than 500 Northern Kentucky residents have been returned uncashed to the Internal Revenue Service, according to U.S. Rep. Ken Lucas, a Boone County Democrat representing Kentucky's 4th District.

        Mr. Lucas is urging those residents to claim the checks by Dec. 5. Otherwise, they will have to wait until after Jan. 1 and claim the refund on their 2001 tax returns.

        “Congress worked hard to pass tax relief for working families,” said Mr. Lucas, who voted for the tax cut supported by President George W. Bush.

        “It's important that this rebate money gets back in the pockets of hard-working taxpayers where it is needed,” he said. “These checks could help brighten the holidays for many Kentuckians.”

        The names of those with uncashed checks are listed on Mr. Lucas' Internet Web site, www.house.gov/kenlucas/. The site also contains a list of people who have not claimed their regular 2000 tax refund.

        People finding their name on either list can file a claim for their check by contacting the IRS at (800) 829-1040.

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