Over the past two years, the Louisiana Department of Revenue says it has saved taxpayers more than $25 million through its tax fraud initiatives, which have also led to the more than 50 arrests.
The department says it will maintain its focus on anti-fraud efforts as it begins accepting 2015 state individual tax returns on Tuesday, Jan. 19—which may mean taxpayers will have to wait a little longer than usual to see their returns processed.
“The department has responded to increasing occurrences of tax fraud by implementing enhanced security measures to protect Louisiana taxpayers. This means it will take additional time to process refunds,” reads a press release from the department. “The expected refund processing time for returns filed electronically is up to 60 days. For paper returns, taxpayers should expect to wait 12 to 14 weeks.”
In instances in which identity theft is suspected, LDR says tax refunds may be delayed while officials review the suspicious filing.
“When this occurs, the taxpayer is contacted through written correspondence with further instructions,” the department says. “Taxpayers can also experience delays in receiving their refund if they fail to keep their most current contact information on file, including their name, address, and telephone number.”
LDR is encouraging taxpayers to make sure their contact information is up to date via its website. State income tax forms will be available for download via the website beginning Jan. 19. The Internal Revenue Service will also begin processing federal returns on Jan. 19.
This year’s filing deadline for 2015 individual income tax returns is Monday, May 16. The deadline is normally May 15, but since that date falls on a Sunday this year the filing deadline has been extended to the next business day.
