California refunds back on track, too

February 19, 2009

UPDATE, March 6:
Despite enactment of a budget,
state tax refunds are still on hold.

The California legislature this morning finally resolved that state's budget crisis and agreed to a plan that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to sign shorty.

The new 18-month budget includes $15 billion in permanent spending cuts, $12.8 billion in temporary tax increases and $11.4 billion in borrowing.

Of particular short-term interest is that the plan should free up money so that the state's tax office can start sending out the refunds that were on hold.

"By passing this difficult budget we keep infrastructure projects moving, keep teachers teaching, keep small businesses getting paid, keep taxpayers getting the refunds they are due and keep California eligible for federal stimulus," Assembly Speaker Karen Bass said in a statement.

Here's hoping that the fiscal deals reached in California and, a few days ago, Kansas are the end this year as far as budgetary impact on tax refunds.

To make sure that you don't have to worry about future state (and federal) refunds, be it concerns about lost checks or sticky-fingered state treasuries, make sure your withholding amounts are accurate.

That way, you'll have your cash in hand during the year instead of waiting to get it back from the tax collector months later.

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Tax Season 2026 Continues!

We made it. Tax Day 2025 is finally over. For most of us. When the filing season started on Jan. 26, millions who were expecting refunds filed immediately. Most of us got our returns to the Internal Revenue Service by April 15. But plenty of taxpayers also got extensions. They are looking at an Oct. 15 filing deadline.

Those procrastinating filers aren’t a problem. In fact, the IRS appreciates taxpayers who take time to fill out their 1040 forms correctly. It also is grateful that tax submissions are spread out a bit, especially now that the IRS is a leaner agency. Processing returns is easier when they arrive throughout the year instead of in massive bunches.

But enough about Uncle Sam’s tax collection issues. The focus now is on all y’all who filed for extensions, giving you another six months to complete your return. Since your new mid-October due date will be here before you know it, let’s get started now on meeting it.

The ol’ blog is here to help you finish up your extended Form 1040. You can start with January’s tax tips page, which has links to the rest of the year’s tips by-month collections. You also can peruse various tax categories for more tailored advice by clicking on the More Tax Posts drop-down menu at the top of this (and every) page.

And to make sure you don’t miss your new filing deadline, the count-down clock below will let you know just how much time you to file by Oct. 15. At the latest.e. (Note: I’m in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.)

Credits/Deductions
Disasters
Family
Filing and Paying Taxes
Politics/Laws
Refunds
State Taxes
Tax Brackets/Inflation
Tax Tips
Comments
  • Randy Koch
    17 years ago

    I’d at least like to hear something from the state as to when tax refunds (mine in particular) will be went out.
    I am in in a domestic partner relationship where my partner is disabled. Since we live on only my income, times are always tight.
    If filed my state return on February 1, so come on people show me the money! We are really smarting right now!

  • Holly Santistevan
    17 years ago

    When are California tax refunds going to be refunded? I hope I can tell them to wait to pay my taxes, like they have made me wait to receive my refund.
    This delay has been a financial hardship. Maybe I can get my refund from the taxes used by legislators to go on unnecessary trips and illegaly spend tax dollars. I am a native Californian and I cannot believe what politicians have done to our state.

Comments are closed.