A message on the Internal Revenue Service's website has left many people confused as to when they will receive their federal tax refunds.
Early birds who electronically filed their federal income taxes on January 16th and requested an automatic deposit, may have received a message saying the money would be in their accounts by January 28th, but that isn't necessarily the case.
The message on the IRS'S website said refunds wouldl be deposited into accounts on January 23rd, and if the money wasn't received by January 28th, you should contact your bank. But several taxpayers told 17 news their banks show no record of an IRS deposit.
According to IRS spokesman Victor Omelczenko, the message is simply an estimate. "The IRS may have given an estimate that it would be there in the bank by seven days," said Omelczenko. "However, that estimate can change based on work loads and all of the people who are e-filing."
Omelczenko said an increase in tax filings this year may have caused the delay, but refunds should be issued soon. "If you electronically file and request direct deposit, you'll have your refund in two weeks, maybe as early as ten days," he said.
If you filed your federal tax return electronically, more than likely the money should be issued to you by January 30th.
As for state tax refunds, many Californians will likely be given IOU's.
State Controller John Chiang has directed the Franchise Tax Board not to send him anymore refund requests. State officials cite California's budget crisis as the reason for the delay. "It's a very difficult decision to delay refunds this year, said Jacob Roper with the State Auditor's Office. "But unfortunately the cash situation in California, we just have no other choice."
Legally, the state has until the end of May to issue tax refund checks. Officials say they're doing all they can to get those refunds out as soon as possible.
