Sen. Gregory Bennerson has sent a request to the Director of Internal Revenue Bureau, Ms. Claudette Farrington, requesting a response to the numerous calls received about the status of overdue tax refunds for 1997 and 1998.
"Although refunds are being forwarded to taxpayers, there are still the 1997 and 1998 still pending," Bennerson said. "Based on my investigation into this matter, I have learned that tax returns that have been previously audited is still in audit status even though, the audits were competed months ago. It is my understanding that the returns for 1997 and 1998, that has certain tax credits, are being ‘kicked out of the system'. If this is the case, then a solution must be found in an expedient manner."
Bennerson said he learned that representatives from Guam and IBM are both on island. He said it would seem prudent for the director and the computer system's programmer to seek input regarding the issue, which affects thousands of taxpayers awaiting closure on overdue tax returns.
"We are less than two weeks away from the 1999 tax season and it would be a disgrace to the system if we do not bring all accounts, as it pertains to tax refunds, current," said Bennerson.