New Jersey state tax system sucks ass.

[oaktavia]

We are now on year FOUR that the state of New Jersey has owed us over $400 in a state tax refund!

When they first withheld it - it was because of a $31 dollar balance due on a student loan. We paid the balance, got a reciept - and faxed the required information to the state tax people - who said that the refund would then be released and a check

Comments

[dawningday]

You know, probably more trouble than its worth, and I don't know if you could find someone willing to do it pro bono (or at least wait for their check), but could you sue the state for withholding your funds, charge them interest, and claim damages for every overdraft or similar fee you've had since?

This probably isn't possible, plausible, or affordable, but it seems like a good way to go.

[oaktavia]

ooooo wouldn't that be cool!!!
be nice to shove the shoe on the other foot, huh? :-D

[airforcegrrl]

you and my father-in-law could sit and a have a go around about this for days. always remember..
Rule 1 - Everyone lies
Rule 2 - Everyone is a moron
Rule 3 - Chris is still working on shortening it :)

[oaktavia]

Rule 4 - there's always someone who's not willing to back down
*snicker*
>;-)

[vgnwtch]

Have you done any of this in writing? If not, now's the time.

Write them a formal complaint, listing all the dates, times, and people you phoned. Inform them that copies are going to your state Senator and Congresscritters, state governor, and governor of NJ. To each of them, write a formal letter asking for a full investigation on your behalf as to why a resident of your state is being ripped off by NJ/appealing to the governor of NJ to aid you in getting your money back. On each letter, note who's getting copies. This tends to a) make beaurocrats shit themselves because they know Higher Ups are likely to use this as a popularity contest, and b) engage political egos/competitive streaks/basic common decency. Hey, the INS got the conditions taken off my green card within 24 hours of Rush Holt's office phoning them to ask WTF?.

[dr_pretentious]

I was about to suggest all these same things. Which prompts me to wrack my brain for something to add...

Oh, citabria might have some lawyerly things to add.

[dawningday]

While I still like my idea, this is much more realistic and will probably work. Exactly because going over people's heads is the best way to make something happen in a bureaucracy.