CRANSTON. R.I. (WJAR) — Not so fast!
After urging taxpayers to file as early as possible, the IRS is now asking taxpayers in many states, including Massachusetts and Rhode Island, to wait.
This is going to be a big problem for a lot of folks locally -- especially Massachusetts residents because every taxpayer in the state got a refund last year, thanks to a rarely triggered state law that prompts the state to issue refunds if it collects too much money.
The IRS said it was hoping to provide some clarity on the issue this week, but it's Thursday and we're still waiting.
Because we’re several weeks into filing season, the big question is: what happens if you already filed your return?
According to the Taxpayer Advocate Service -- an independent organization within the IRS that has already criticized the IRS for putting this problem on the backs of taxpayers and tax professionals -- early filers could run into several problems:
While it is frustrating to wait even longer to get your money, if you haven't filed yet, sit tight.
And if you have filed, sit tight.
Hopefully the IRS will be providing additional guidance over the next few days.