State tax returns delayed again

Ragan Report: Once again, Iowans are frus-trated by how long it's taking to get their state tax refunds. It was unacceptable last year, and it appears to be worse this year.
Iowans want answers about why they've waited for weeks for their refunds for the second year in a row. Data shows the state has issued even fewer refunds this year than it had at the same point last year.
For 2018, just over $200 million was returned to taxpay-ers by March 8. That's a big dip from two years ago, when more than $350 million in re-funds were made by March 8.
Why must Iowans wait longer and longer to get their tax refunds? In 2017, state officials said the delays were due to fraud prevention efforts. However, an investigation by Iowa newspaper reporters re-vealed that the Branstad-Reynolds Administration actu-ally didn't have the money to pay Iowans' refunds on time.
This year, we don't know the exact cause for the delays. It could be lack of staff, or it could be lack of funds. Whether it is bad management or the state budget mess, Io-wans shouldn't have to wait to get their money back. The fact that tax refunds aren't being paid on time is yet another sign of fiscal mismanagement.
Sen. Amanda Ragan (D-Mason City) serves Franklin, Butler and Cerro Gordo counties in Senate District 27. She can be reached at 515-281-3371 or 641-424-0874. Email her at aman-da.ragan@legis.iowa.gov.