It’s tax season and for most Americans the best time of the year to get a few extra coins put back into their pocket. If you’re a Louisiana resident, however, you received double that in an unintended flub by the state.
According to reports, 66,000 taxpayers received double their state tax refund, totaling $26 million in overpayment. The state is now reportedly trying to get that money back.
The Division of Administration spokesman Jacques Berry blamed the blunder on a computer system malfunction, which is why so many residents had a healthier state refund.
Nola taxpayers shouldn’t get excited just yet. Berry said in most cases the payments were made through the bank accounts direct deposit and can quickly be reversed. If the money isn’t there, the bank will reportedly contact the individual about payment.
Berry released a statement admitting to the oversight.
“As the State of Louisiana continues to recoup more than $26 million to duplicate individual income tax refunds that were erroneously issued as the result of a computer error, taxpayers are being urged not to take any action. The vast majority of the duplicated funds are expected to be recovered electronically,” – Jacques Berry, Director of Policy and Communication