Auditor questions delay on state tax returns

State Auditor Nicole Galloway’s whistleblower hotline has been lighting up for the last six weeks.

The calls have come from over 1,000 Missourians who have not yet received their state tax refund, and they’re calling on Galloway for answers. Because of this response, Galloway is urging the Missouri Department of Revenue to take action and address taxpayer concerns. 

Refunds were due on June 2 to taxpayers who filed by the April 18 deadline, and Missouri law requires any personal income tax refunds issued after 45 days of being filed should be remitted with interest.

“Missourians are becoming understandably frustrated by the delay and I urge the Department of Revenue to take all necessary steps to complete refund processing as quickly as possible,” Galloway said in a news release.

While looking into the status of their refunds, individuals have reported long wait times, disconnected calls, being unable to speak with a representative and receiving their refund after 45 days without interest.

Galloway also is auditing the DOR after a tax refund clash earlier this year. In April, Galloway issued a subpoena to the DOR requiring it to turn over information on how it manages Missouri income tax refunds after the DOR refused Galloway’s initial audit request. After being subpoenaed, the DOR complied, according to Springfield Business Journal archives. 

Galloway’s audit will review the processes that ensure tax refunds are paid on time, as well as the DOR’s timeliness and compliance over the last two years. 

Residents can request an update on the status of their refund by contacting the DOR directly at (573) 751-3505.