I’ve never been a big fan of government. Looking back, I’ve worked for the U.S. government in one capacity or another for about a decade, and I’ve seen a lot of different things.

The one thing I’ve seen consistently is a lack of organization and planning. This isn’t to say the government is unique, I’ve seen the same thing at a lot of larger Fortune 500 companies I’ve worked at too. They just have more incentive ($$$) to get things right. The government just prints more money when they run out.

So I’m pleasantly surprised with the IRS and their emphasis on the electronic filing and direct-deposit of our returns this year. I filed electronically with TurboTax this year, on April 14th (Note: I usually try two-three different programs to see which is easiest, and TurboTax holds the lead with being able to download my W-2s and most of my investment earnings information directly. TaxCut is a close second though, having a slightly easier user experience).

I have ALREADY received my state return, and the federal is due back in less than a week!

This is a TERRIFIC turnaround rate as compared to years past. I remember when it’s taken months to get the return, even when I filed electronically. Filing by paper almost GUARANTEED a month or more wait for the cash. I don’t know whether it’s the bad economic environment that has spurred the fast turnaround in payments (to get money back in the consumer’s hands) or the advances in technology, but I DO say; GOOD JOB INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.

I must be hallucinating. I bet you do a Google search on that phrase and this web site will be number one!

When is Yours Due?

For those with outstanding taxes, you can go to the IRS Website and see when your return is due.

Average turnaround times are around a week for electronic filers, or around 2 weeks for paper filers. That’s a great improvement over years past.

Remember also, that a lot more people are filing this year than usually do because of the economic stimulus package. To get the economic stimulus checks as soon as possible, you had to file a tax return this year whether you needed to or not. People that normally don’t have to file, because they make under the current minimum tax filing limit (somewhere around $15,000 I think) are filling out forms so they can get the stimulus checks as soon as possible. That’s a few million more forms than the IRS would normally get and they’re STILL turning things around good.

Dare I say that the IRS could be a shining example of how government OUGHT to treat its citizenry??

Brrr, what a thought! Kind of like saying sharks are wonderfully efficient swimmers (they are, but they can also gnaw a leg or arm off if you’re not careful).

Expecting a return this year? What do you think about the better turnaround times? Leave us a comment and let us know!