The IRS Won’t Give Me My Money

In all of my adult years, I'd heard horror stories about the IRS. I never understood what was to fear about the organization... Until now.

When I filed my taxes this year, I knew that I owed a particular amount stemming from a forgotten transaction. So, I had that amount withheld from my federal return.

Well, I started checking the mail for my state return and after a few weeks, I opened a letter saying that the feds had taken my state check to cover an outstanding balance.  This balance was the same one that I'd had withheld from my federal return. The letter also stated that if the state check was taken erroneously or after the balance had been satisfied, the check would be sent to me. I knew that would be the case. So, I waited.

In late March, I got another letter. This time, from the IRS. The letter stated what I already knew, which was that my previous balance had been fulfilled. BUT my check was not enclosed.  Instead, this was to serve notice that my state funds would be sent to me in two to three weeks.

Wait! What?

You KNOW that you have my money and shouldn't, but it's going to take two to three weeks for you to give it to me?

Fine.

So, I waited two weeks.  Nothing.  Waited another week. Nothing. The entire month of April and an entire week of May went by before I decided to call the IRS to find out if maybe they'd sent my check and someone had stolen it and cashed it.  The rep with whom I spoke told me that my funds had been frozen.  I told him that I understood that but that they'd sent me a letter saying the funds would be sent weeks prior. His response was, "I'll go ahead and put in an order to have it sent to you."

Here's my thing: Once it was realized that it shouldn't have been taken, why wasn't it sent to me THEN? Why send a letter saying it would be sent? Just as easily as that letter was sent, my check could have been. ON TOP OF THAT, why send me a letter saying the money would be sent if nothing was being done to release it? It made no sense for me to have to call again before the process started of having it released.

Yes, I am venting right now, but I can't be the only person having trouble with tax returns this year.... Or am I?