Taxpayers could see delay on refunds

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The federal government pushed back the start of tax season to Jan. 30, but a lot of people are still experiencing delays.

The backup can be traced to the last-minute tax deal passed by Congress on Jan. 2, which gave the IRS less time to update its forms and system. Not only was tax season pushed back, certain forms for education credits, energy credits and depreciation still are not being accepted.

Hundreds of tax return forms are locked up at Gilbert Sanchez Income Tax and Accounting. Ken Sanchez says it is a delay many people filing their forms did not expect.

“When we tell them we can’t even process the return, that it’s going to sit here in a locked filing cabinet for two weeks, or even up to four weeks, they’re upset,” Sanchez said. “But there’s nothing we can do, and there’s nothing they can do.’

Sanchez says the returns will come, but it just might take a little longer.

“People are going to need to have some patience. They will get their money back if they are entitled to a refund,” Sanchez said.

Starting Sunday, the IRS is ready to begin processing depreciation forms, and on Feb. 14, it will start handling returns to claim education credits.