Illinois Tax Returns Delayed for Residents Who Filed on Paper

The Illinois Department of Revenue says many residents who filed their 2011 tax returns on paper way are still waiting for their refund checks.

Department spokeswoman Sue Hofer didn't have any estimates yesterday of how many of the returns had been delayed. But she says they're moving more slowly than they did last year. Hofer tells the Bloomington Pantagraph that the Revenue Department has about 30 fewer workers processing paper refunds because of the state's budget squeeze. Hofer says the department had hoped to get 80% of returns filed electronically but only got about 70%, which also contributed to the delay. Hofer says Illinoisans who use the online system and direct deposit can get their refund within a week.