What can I do to get the refund from IRS?

Go to www.irs.gov. In the upper right corner there is a search box. Type in "check on refund". That will take you to an online tool to check on your refund. If you are entitled to the refund, the IRS will pay it or, if the tax return has information that creates issues as to allowance of the refund, the IRS will ask for further information. If you are talking about a timely filed 2011 return, you are still within the period where a return could be in the process. This is a good tool! In my opinion, not making an inquiry will not enhance the likelihood that the refund will be paid.

I don't think there is any harm in contacting the IRS to inquire about your refund. In fact, I think they have a special hotline for that purpose. If they have you in their sights for an audit, then they are going to audit you regardless of whether you call them or not. Having said this, if you are not comfortable speaking with the IRS, there are plenty of CPAs or attorneys who would be willing to represent your interests before the IRS for a fee.

You can check on the status of your refund by going to the following site hosted by the I.R.S. Topic 303 published by the I.R.S. also lists various situations or reasons why your refund may have been delayed or lost. If after checking the status of your refund, you learn that the refund was sent, but that you never received it, then you can file Form 3911 in order to receive a replacement check. On the other hand, if the I.R.S. indicates that you were not owed a refund, then you will need to contact them in order to determine why.