Fact Check: Are MN tax refunds delayed?

Are MN Tax Refunds Delayed?

The claim regarding delays in Minnesota tax refunds has surfaced, prompting inquiries from taxpayers about the status of their refunds. Various sources indicate that there may be factors contributing to potential delays, including changes in tax law and administrative challenges. This article will explore the available information surrounding this claim without rendering a verdict.

What We Know

1. IRS Announcements: The IRS has announced tax relief for victims of severe storms and flooding in Minnesota, extending various deadlines to February 3, 2025. This may affect tax filings and refunds for individuals impacted by these events 1.

2. State Department of Revenue: The Minnesota Department of Revenue provides a tool for taxpayers to track their refunds. According to their website, taxpayers can check the status of their refunds online 2. They also note that anyone who does not receive a refund within 60 days of filing should contact the department directly 5.

3. Processing Rates: Reports indicate that the state has issued all rebate checks and processed approximately 90% of property tax returns 5. This suggests that while some refunds may be delayed, the majority are being processed in a timely manner.

4. Factors for Delays: A U.S. News article outlines several reasons why tax refunds might be delayed, including IRS identity theft filters and discrepancies in tax filings 3. These factors could apply to Minnesota taxpayers as well.

5. Changes in Tax Law: Minnesota has implemented changes to its tax code that may affect refund amounts and processing times. For example, certain tax benefits, such as dependent care credits, have reverted to pre-COVID levels, potentially leading to smaller refunds for some families 8.

6. Public Sentiment: Local news outlets have reported on the expectations of smaller tax refunds for Minnesota families, which may contribute to concerns about delays 8.

Analysis

The sources consulted provide a mixed picture regarding the status of Minnesota tax refunds. The IRS announcement regarding extended deadlines due to natural disasters 1 is a credible source, as it comes directly from a federal agency. However, it is essential to note that this announcement pertains specifically to individuals affected by severe storms and flooding, which may not apply to all taxpayers.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue's website 2 serves as a reliable resource for tracking refunds, although it does not explicitly state that delays are widespread. The recommendation to contact the department if refunds are not received within 60 days is a standard procedure that reflects the department's commitment to addressing taxpayer concerns.

The article from U.S. News 3 offers insights into common reasons for tax refund delays, which are applicable nationwide. However, it does not provide specific data on Minnesota, making it less relevant for assessing the local situation.

The report from KSTP 5 is noteworthy as it indicates that the state has processed a significant majority of property tax returns, suggesting that delays may not be as prevalent as feared. However, the lack of specific numbers regarding income tax refunds leaves some uncertainty.

The discussion of tax law changes 78 introduces another layer of complexity, as these changes could impact refund amounts and processing times. The source from CBS News 7 is a reputable outlet, but it primarily focuses on broader tax law changes rather than specific implications for refund delays.

Overall, while there are indications that some taxpayers may experience delays, particularly those affected by natural disasters or changes in tax law, the majority of refunds appear to be processed efficiently.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly True

The claim regarding delays in Minnesota tax refunds is mostly true, as there are credible indications that some taxpayers may experience delays due to various factors, including natural disasters and changes in tax law. The IRS's announcement about extended deadlines for certain individuals 1 and the Minnesota Department of Revenue's acknowledgment of potential issues 2 support this conclusion. However, it is important to note that the majority of refunds are being processed in a timely manner, with reports indicating that approximately 90% of property tax returns have been processed 5.

The nuance in this verdict arises from the fact that while some delays may occur, they are not uniformly experienced by all taxpayers. Factors such as individual circumstances, changes in tax benefits, and administrative challenges contribute to the variability in refund processing times.

Limitations in the available evidence include a lack of specific data on income tax refunds and the reliance on general information about tax refund delays that may not directly apply to Minnesota. Therefore, while the claim holds some truth, it does not reflect a universal experience for all taxpayers in the state.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding tax refunds and consult official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their specific situations.

Sources

1. IRS. "IRS announces tax relief for victims of severe storms and flooding in Minnesota; various deadlines postponed to Feb. 3, 2025." IRS

2. Minnesota Department of Revenue. "Where's My Refund?" MN Department of Revenue

3. U.S. News. "When to Worry if Your Tax Refund Is Delayed." U.S. News

4. St. Cloud Times. "Where's your tax refund? How to track federal, Minnesota tax returns." St. Cloud Times

5. KSTP. "State says all rebate checks issued, 90% of property tax returns processed." KSTP

6. Minnesota Department of Revenue. "Tax Law Changes." MN Department of Revenue

7. CBS News. "3 tax law changes in Minnesota to know as filing season begins." CBS News

8. KNSI Radio. "Minnesota Families To See Smaller Tax Refunds, Filing Starts Monday." KNSI Radio

9. CBS News. "Will the expected IRS staff cuts delay my 2025 tax refund?" CBS News

10. AOL. "Where's My Refund? What Minnesota Taxpayers Need To Know." AOL