Haven’t filed your KY state taxes? This change could delay your refund if you wait

If you were considering waiting until Tax Day to file your Kentucky state income tax return, you may find your refund delayed due to a change in processing direct deposits.

Beginning on Wednesday, April 1, the state’s Department of Revenue will shift who qualifies for direct deposit — typically considered the fastest way to get your refund. As part of an attempt to cut down on fraud, the state will only send refunds electronically to those whose name on their tax return exactly matches the name on the bank account requested.

If the two names don’t match, filers will instead receive a paper check refund, which could take 10 to 14 weeks if you file using a paper return.

Kinsey Woodson, communications director for the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, said the state change is part of a wider federal shift to clamp down on fraud.

Filing your return electronically remains the fastest way to get your state tax refund, and processing time runs four to six weeks. Tax Day this year is Wednesday, April 15.

Kentucky’s tax season officially began Jan. 26, when the state began accepting electronic and paper returns. The state began processing refunds Feb. 2. A number of standard and other deductions are available to Kentucky residents.

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