State Stops $21.2M in Questionable Tax Returns

The State Comptroller’s office has halted $21.2 million in questionable personal income tax refunds after finding 6,353 improper filings among those filed so far this year.

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's office audited and approved 3.9 million refund requests totaling $3.3 billion in 2013. Another 271,000 refund requests totaling $303 million are expected to be paid in the coming days.

DiNapoli’s office audits all New York State bills prior to payment, including personal income tax refunds. The majority of questionable returns were filed by taxpayers who claimed credits for ineligible child care or claimed credits allowed only for low-income households.

Auditors found a significant number of dubious refunds – 27 percent – were linked to dishonest tax preparers filing false tax returns.