NC Announces Tax Refund Delays

by Amy Gretenstein

On Friday Feb. 12, Revenue Secretary Kenneth Lay told The Associate Press that his agency is starting to delay refund checks for taxpaying individuals and businesses. Apparently this is because the state is out of money in its checking account.

The announcement has caused a bit of an uproar among citizens and politicians alike. However, the idea of delayed refunds isn’t new to the state. Last year, the state held back refunds but were not upfront about it. Not until angry taxpayers started complaining did the state speak up.

This year, the state and Gov. Bev Purdue have done a good job being more proactive about the delays. Gov. Purdue said not to be alarmed by the delays. Like many people around the state, North Carolina is living paycheck to paycheck and does not want to bounce any checks.

Typically during the months of February and March, refund checks arrive between two and six weeks. After April 15, checks typically take 12 weeks to arrive. Secretary Lay said the checks are delayed to a 12 week estimated arrival time.

Between the reassuring words of Gov. Purdue and Secretary Lay, I know I feel a little better about the delays. And because the state has been so honest about the delays, I feel even more encouraged to get my taxes done ahead of time so I can get my refund sooner than later.

Photo source: uzvards