5 Ways To Ensure You Get Your New Jersey Tax Refund

Ever since the shameful tax events of 2013 when many New Jersey residents who had already filed their tax returns expecting refunds, received letters requesting copies of their W2’s, pay stubs and social security cards to the State Treasury Department for additional review and verification instead, residents have become vigilant in their efforts to keep their State Treasury Department on track. Many of them had paid to E-File their returns, at costs of $20 each, and they are completely livid. There was no NJ Tax Refund coming to these early birds for possibly another 90 days, and they had the letters from the State Treasury Department to prove it.

Governor Chris Christie faced the angry swell of voices on his NJ101.5 radio show “Ask the Governor”, but the March 2013 show left people with more questions than answers. An incorrectly calibrated, anti-fraud computer program caused the problem. People who did not deserve to get letters did. Since that time, residents are adamant about taking the right steps to be certain they get the refunds that are due them.

E-File Rather Than Paper File

Regardless of opinions, it is still safe to E-File a return. The IRS system is cumbersome and admittedly understaffed at times. Paper returns must be handled manually, and this opens them up for delays and errors whentransferring information into the IRS computer system. Those who filed a paper return cannot expect information for at least 12 weeks from the time they mailed their return because these are not logged in as they are received. Residents must wait for processing to be complete and their information logged into the department’s computer system. E-filing is faster.The first place to gather information about refunds is the State of New Jersey, Department of the Treasury. Their website page http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/refinfo.shtml is specifically set up to provide income tax refund information. There is also a link to the U.S. Postal Service to search for Undeliverable Refunds which have been sent to addresses provided incorrectly at the time the tax returns were submitted.

Use a State Approved Income Tax Software Vendor

Using a state approved software vendor has its advantages. These use the same forms that the government uses. But, rather than downloading them for the official website and struggling to understand what to do, these software programs offer support, information and a step by step process to help you through the paperwork.Those approved by the state are listed at

http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/appsoftvendincome.shtml

Check Status Regularly Online

Beginning in January, the NJ Division of Taxation offers the Online Refund Status Service at https://www16.state.nj.us/TYTR_TGI_INQ/jsp/prompt.jsp Have thecorrect Social Security number and the amount of the refund to begin an inquiry. Be advised that E-Filed returns take at least 4 weeks to process and paper returns take at least 12 weeks to process.

Speak With a Tax Representative Directly

Using a Touch-tone phone, tax refund status information is available seven days a week, with varying hours, by calling three numbers. Within New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland or Pennsylvania, call 1-800-323-4400. Calls from anywhere can use 609-826-4400. Dial 609-292-6400 to speak with a tax service representative at the Taxation Customer Service Center. Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Have the social security number and amount of refund requested ready. Taxpayers can find help with determining when their refund was mailed, when they should receive it and tracing a lost refund check.

Use the IRS Where’s My Refund? Phone App

Anyone on the go who prefers to use a phone app can go to https://www.irs.gov/Refunds This handy IRS site Where’s My Refund? Allows mobile phone devices to download the IRS2Go app to check the status of a refund. It is posted as safe and secure. Users will need their social security number, filing status, and refund amount to use the app. The Where’s My Refund? tool updates automatically every 24 hours, and it is possible to check on a status within 24 hours of E-Filing a return. It takes 4 weeks after mailing in a return.

Though tax season is stressful and time consuming,there are resources to facilitate the process and check it.Taking steps to ensure that NJ Tax Refund will arrive, even later than expected, is empowering.