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As if people aren’t upset enough about their state government…

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* Those who filed the old-fashioned way are seeing a big delay in their tax returns…

Many Illinoisans who filed their 2011 tax returns on paper rather than electronically are still waiting for their refund checks.

Although the Illinois Department of Revenue had no estimates Thursday on how many returns remain in limbo, agency spokeswoman Sue Hofer said there are two key factors at work in the delay.

First, the department had hoped more people would file electronically and have their checks deposited directly into their bank accounts, which can result in a refund being issued within a week. About 70 percent of the returns were filed online, down from a goal of 80 percent.

In addition, because of the state’s budget squeeze, the department had about 25 to 30 fewer workers sorting and processing paper refunds.

The result?

“Paper returns are moving more slowly than they did last year,” Hofer said.

I had the opposite thing happen to me. I filed a paper return and owed money to the state. It took the Department of Revenue about two weeks to cash my check.

* Roundup…

* Governor’s office defends closing Dwight: “While it’s true the General Assembly put money in the budget to keep facilities open, they put the money back at the expense of others,” Kraft said. “For example, group insurance was only funded for six months, state aid for education was cut. The governor’s office has to look at every single area of state government, not just one single area.”

* ‘Dwight will survive’

* Dwight closure will trigger musical chairs for inmates

* Judge allows closure of mental hospital to proceed: “We think this governor doesn’t care about people with mental illnesses,” Heyrman said. “We are very worried this case will set a precedent for other facilities and they will close them all and take away all the money.”

* Kadner: Tinley Park center to close despite funds to keep it open

* Lawmakers say more closures inevitable without pension reform

* Did the SEC and S&P Let 14 States Destroy Their Pensions?

* Illinois governor moving ahead with small office closures

* Peoria Adult Transition Center to stay open

* Closing Tamms Supermax: A Chance To Reevaluate Solitary Confinement

* State moves to dissolve North Chicago school board - Independent panel will work to improve academics, officials say

* Chicago creating home for startups, Emanuel tells Techweek crowd

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 11:50 am

Comments

I find the GA outrage over the facilities closure “we budgeted to keep them open” ironic. It was two years ago when against his wishes the Governor gave the authority to make cuts and reduced the budget but didn’t tell him how to make the cuts. Now the shoe is on the other foot.

Hey, at least Quinn told you he was going to do this in February.

I filed my return electronically, but still mailed in my check. Took IDR 4 weeks to cash my check. Thanks!

Comment by Siriusly Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 12:47 pm
Rich,

Revenue cashes the checks ASAP … doesn’t mean your return was processed at that time, although it should have been. The whole system is set up to get money in …

Comment by RNUG Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 1:12 pm
Let’s continue cutting the size of government, until it becomes more efficient. Perhaps if fewer state employees per capita than Mississippi isn’t improving the efficiency of government, maybe fewer employees per capita than Somalia would, or at least get it down to the size where we can drown it in the bathtub.

Comment by AC Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 1:18 pm
“Group insurance was only funded for six months.”
Say what?
Can’t make that up by hitting up Grandma for a “share” of the premiums.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 2:42 pm
@AC -

Good one.

As my grandpa would say:

“I keep cutting this board and cuttin’ it, and its STILL too short.”

YDD

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 3:12 pm
Rich,

You said, “I had the opposite thing happen to me. I filed a paper return and owed money to the state. It took the Department of Revenue about two weeks to cash my check.”

I work at Revenue. When paper checks come into the department, by law, code or statute(not sure which), they are required to be sent to the bank within 24 hours. RNUG is right. It does not mean your return was processed right away. Actually returns with a balance due have a lower processing priority than returns claiming a refund.

Incidentally, returns with a refund must be processed within 90 days(July 15 for April 15 filings) or interest starts accruing on the refund amount. So, there is always a big push here at the department to process all refund returns by July 15.

Comment by KurtInSpringfield Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 3:29 pm
Rich, Kurt is correct. Old age has caused me to forget it, but State law (something like the Public Funds Depository Act) specifies that any agency which receives funds must deposit them within 24 or 48 hours of receipt.
Your situation sounds like a processing error.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 4:40 pm
* Did the SEC and S&P Let 14 States Destroy Their Pensions?

Thank you for posting this Rich- How ironic that the ratings agencies stood by for years and are now demanding the greater theft of pension benefits. It sounds like collusion to me.

Comment by Liberty_First Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 4:57 pm