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State Revenue Department Blocks 529 Fraudulent Returns

False returns were seeking nearly $583,000 in refunds.

By Molly Priddy

HELENA — The state Department of Revenue says it is just a little behind last year’s pace in processing tax returns, but has blocked 529 fraudulent returns seeking nearly $583,000 in refunds.

The department said Wednesday it has processed 224,800 returns and has issued nearly 193,000 refunds totaling over $78 million. The refunds average $405.

Last year at this time, the department had processed 225,700 returns and had issued nearly 198,000 refunds. Last year’s average refund was $403.

Some refunds are taking longer this year due to extra security and review procedures being undertaken due to the increase in fraudulent returns.