The Kansas Department of Revenue warned that it may take up to 16 weeks to process state tax returns filed on paper as the state copes with budget cuts.
The state is trying to encourage more taxpayers to file electronically to save on processing costs. The department also warned that it will not send the paper forms to 860 public libraries, post offices and other locations for the public to pick up, as it has customarily done, according to the Associated Press. Instead, the locations will put up posters encouraging more taxpayers to check the departments Web site where they can file electronically and download tax forms. That is expected to save the state $150,000.
The department is also reducing the size of its tax return booklets with fewer instructions and forms, saving $260,000.
To save another $300,000, the department does not plan to hire the 65 temporary workers that it usually enlists to open the mail during tax season.
Processing paper returns and sending out refunds used to take six to eight weeks, but the process is expected to last up to four months this season.
"With electronic filing and direct deposit, a person can expect their refund in as little as five to seven days," said department spokesperson Freda Warfield.
