Tax returns running on schedule

[February 02, 2011]  SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois may be five months and $7 billion behind in paying its vendors, service providers and hospitals, but that won't stop state taxpayers from promptly getting their income tax refunds.

Residents file their taxes with the state Department of Revenue, which then sends the information and money for refunds to the state comptroller's office, which is responsible for the state's checkbook.

Brad Hahn, a spokesman for the comptroller's office, said the money used for tax returns is segregated from the state's general fund. The general fund cash is used to pay the backlog of bills.

The money "is set aside in a separate fund so the checks can be mailed promptly and aren't held up by the bill backlog," Hahn said.

"As soon as we receive (tax refund) information, the process starts and checks are mailed," he said.

The comptroller's office will send out checks within days of receiving the return notice from the Department of Revenue, according to Hahn.

For those wanting their return in their pocket quickly, Susan Hofer of the Department of Revenue suggests turning to the Internet.

Refunds are paid on a first-come, first-served basis. Filing online cuts down on the time it takes for the state to process the paperwork from its more than 6 million personal income taxpayers. State taxpayers can file online at no cost at tax.illinois.gov.

"So if you've done your federal returns, you can go to (the website), file your state returns and we should have that processed in about a week and have any refund due you sent to the comptroller," Hofer said.

The state's website will guide users through the process, including making sure people get all their deductions and double-checking their math, Hofer said.

About 62 percent of people paying taxes in Illinois chose the online option last year.

"It's free, it's accurate, and you could get your return in months less time," Hofer said.

For those who do not feel comfortable using the online system, paper forms can be picked up at local libraries or downloaded and printed off the Internet. State income taxes, like federal taxes, are due by April 15.

For more information, visit tax.illinois.gov or call 1-800-732-8866

[Illinois Statehouse News; By ANDREW THOMASON]