The Tax Man Screwseth Upeth

elchrist · Posted: 07 Jul 2003 10:54 AM Post subject: The Tax Man Screwseth Upeth

I've been expecting my state tax refund/return for some time now. I became a little worried when 8 weeks passed since I filed them, so I decided to check up on the status.

I visited the California Franchise Tax Board Web site to check up on the progress, but apparently they're having technical difficulties. So I place a call and wait approximately 15 minutes when a man with an Asian accent picks up the line and quickly transfers me to the "appropriate" department. I'm on hold again for another 15 minutes listening to the same on-hold messages when someone else finally answers the phone.

I explain that I need to find out the status of my check. They verify my name, social security number, mailing address and my daytime telephone number. The representative notifies me that it was mailed out in mid-May. I mention that I obviously haven't received it. Then he notices that it was mailed out to the wrong address, off by one digit.

Now I need to fill out some forms that will be sent to me and that I must mail back. This will start an investigation process which could take between 2 weeks and 6 months. 2 weeks if the check hasn't been cashed and 6 months if it has.

Thankfully the guy provided me with the address the letter was mailed to, so I'm taking this into my own hands.

Bastards.