LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Mark Huizenga and members of the Senate Republican caucus sent a letter to State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks urging the Michigan Department of Treasury to clearly communicate the cause of ongoing tax refund delays, the steps being taken to resolve them and the expected timeline for processing affected returns.

“At a time when families are struggling to afford everyday necessities, many people are relying on their tax refund for relief,” said Huizenga, R-Walker. “I have received countless calls from people who are understandably frustrated and unable to get basic answers from the department.

“As a former tax expert, I understand that transitions to new systems can be challenging, but this platform is already being used by more than 30 states. The delays, poor service and inability to get an answer from a Treasury representative are unacceptable.”

Huizenga and other Republican lawmakers sent the letter expressing concern about widespread problems taxpayers are experiencing following the Department of Treasury’s transition from its legacy tax processing system to the GenTax platform.

The letter states, in part, “Our offices have heard from countless constituents who have waited months for their refunds with little or no explanation. Many report being unable to speak with a live representative and instead receive generic messages stating their returns remain under review, without any indication of the issue or the steps needed to resolve it.”

Since the filing season began in January, approximately 250,000 Michigan filers have experienced delays in receiving their refunds, and the Department of Treasury has sent roughly 27,000 incorrect notices to taxpayers.

“Families have worked hard for their money, and many are depending on these refunds to make ends meet,” Huizenga said. “This is their money, not the government’s. Taxpayers shouldn’t be left waiting indefinitely until the department figures out its own internal issues. People deserve a timely response from a real person and a clear path to getting the refund they are owed.”

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Editor’s note: A copy of the letter is attached for your use.