California refunds back on track, too

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.