Little Rock, Ark. (KTHV) - Several Arkansans say they have filed their taxes, but have yet to receive their refund several days after they were told they would receive them.
You know the saying, "the only things you have to do in life is die and pay taxes." For the latter, in return, we expect a refund from the IRS if we overpay. But the tables have turned and the IRS is in the hot seat because many taxpayers are still waiting on their money.
Back in January, the IRS issued a statement saying those who filed prior to January 25 could experience a delay in receiving their refund. But as it turns out, those who filed after that also aren't getting their money.
Eight to 10 days. That's the initial time frame you're given for a refund once you file your taxes online. But taxpayers aren't seeing green anytime soon.
"It's now going to be 10 -21 days or up to three weeks," says Cinnamon Stovall, owner of Liberty Tax Services off Rodney Parham and Reservoir.
Stovall says customers are upset.
"I have to explain to them, it's not us. If you don't get your refund, we don't get paid. So it's not in our best interest to delay your money. I see more of the upset customers. It's people looking for that refund because they're in need of that refund," Stovall adds.
But according to a recent survey, the National Retail Federation found that 44 percent plan to stash some of their tax windfall in their savings, 40 percent will use it to pay down debt, and just under 30 percent will spend their tax refund on everyday expenses.
If you're wondering where your refund is you can go to the IRS website and check out the "Where's my Refund" section. However, Jim Williams with Arkansas Select Tax Service says it hasn't been that accurate for its customers.
"Many times it'll say they haven't filed, which in fact they have. Or it'll tell them their refund's deposited when it fact it's not," says Williams.
Williams says one reason for the delay is because the IRS is moving toward modernized e-filing. But that's not the only reason.
"They were implementing new security measures to prevent identity fraud with tax returns. While that's admirable, obviously it has created a huge bug within their system," adds Williams.
Now, tax pros are just looking for answers.
"It gets to a point to where it becomes incredibly frustrating. This is their only job. It's what the tax payers fund that organization for. You got all year to get it right. You've screwed it up. And there [are] a lot of people it affects and it's incredibly unfortunate," Williams adds.
The tax professionals I spoke with say there's no rhyme or reason for the delays. Some are getting their money right away - while others are still waiting. They encourage you to just be patient as the IRS continues to work out the "bugs" within the system.