Numerous Indianapolis residents who took advantage of the first time homebuyers credit are frustrated because their refunds have been delayed for several different reasons, some that have nothing to do with them.
"It was something to look forward to when I filed my taxes for the next year," said Indianapolis homeowner Tony Dale.
Dale said he is frustrated with the IRS. He took advantage of the first time homebuyers tax credit and saw dollars bills, at least enough to pay for a little work around the house and possibly some fun.
Instead, he has experienced several road blocks along the way in getting his refund.
"It didn't get here February 25. They said it would be here March 8. It still wasn't there," said Dale. "Now the IRS is telling me it'll be another six to eight weeks."
Some first time homebuyers like Dale have been waiting weeks, even months, to get a refund or a credit from the government worth up to $8,000.
Even if they filed the correct paperwork on time, though, Indianapolis CPA Stacy Sheedy said some of the paperwork needs amended.
"If you had filed electronically automatically that's going to slow things down because you have to file an amended return now," said Sheedy.
Sheedy also said paperwork for just one homeowner is being divided among different departments within the IRS so it is causing confusion and notices about missing documents that were properly filed.
She said the IRS is also dealing with some computer problems.
"Because of the issues with the IRS in developing its electronic filing, because everyone has to electronically file this year, there are still some glitches and some returns are being caught in that system at this point," Sheedy said.
Luis Garcia, a spokesperson with the IRS, said they are working had to repair a "programming problem." Garcia also said it is a problem that does not impact most first time homebuyers who took advantage of the credit.
"I would think they would have been able to anticipate it, and if they didn't anticipate it, once they recognized it, set up the manpower because we're taxpayers," said Dale.
Sheedy said while she understands the extra headache some of these delays have caused, as far as the refund is concerned, it is better late than never.
