CHARLESTON, W.Va. –The state Tax Division will be hard at work over the next couple of weeks processing paper and electronic tax returns following the filing deadline.
The filing deadline was midnight on April 15.
Emily Cramer, assistant deputy commissioner of taxpayer engagement, said returns are going well so far this year.
“We’re really on par with processing from last year, we’re reviewing things as fast as we can, and as diligently as we can and we are answering as many phone calls, and we have many walk-ins, so we’re staying on top of things this filing season, even up to the last minute, and then on for the next couple of weeks we’ll be very busy, but we’re doing well processing both paper and electronic filed returns,” Cramer told MetroNews Wednesday.
Individuals who were unable to file by April 14 and submitted an extension have until October 15 to file their federal tax returns, but not to pay. Cramer also said the IRS granted a 30-day extension to file and pay for those impacted by the federal government shutdown, including TSA workers.
Cramer said that once tax returns come in, regardless of which site was used to file them, they all appear the same, making them easier to process.
“Every software vendor has to work with us to make sure that whatever they submit hits the standards we need in order to properly file any income tax returns,” she said. “So, while they can format however they think is easiest for taxpayers using their system to file, it’s still comes in the way we need to, to verify and process information on our end.”
She said there are a couple of issues that could delay a refund, including an incorrect mailing address, though that can be updated with a change-of-address form. Another common issue is incorrect banking information.
“If the bank information is wrong, it will go by a paper check, which does take longer than those electronic ones,” Cramer said.
While all taxes are filed, they are all incredibly different, which could leave to a delay in processing the returns.
While all tax returns are filed, each one is unique, which can lead to delays in processing.
“That’s nothing I’m able to say too easily, I know we’d like to think that there’s uncomplicated returns, every return is different, and we’re always just as diligent on fraud checks on any type of returns so there’s not always an easy turnaround time that I could give,” she said.