Gettin' robbed
I can't stand the NYC Dept of Finance. Just thinking about them sends me into a bad mood. This past April was pure torture. Actually, it was just one night that continued over the course of maybe a week - the night I did my taxes. Just thinking about that day gets the blood boiling.
Anyway, last week I was happily on my way home when I stopped at my mailbox. Instantly my good mood vanished when I saw the envelope with the words "Finance New York" on it. But perhaps I was supposed to get a refund and didn't know it? Did the NYS taxation dept calculate a mistake in my return and send me a check for the refund? As I'm typing this, I'm reminded of this cartoon.
Anyway, with my heart already starting to beat faster, I get into my apartment and rip open the letter. "Notice of Tax Due". wtf??!! I already paid my taxes - and then some. I have no blood left to give.
It turns out they're charging me a late filing penalty. This pisses me off. I sent my return on the 17th of April, knowing that the 15th fell on a weekend so the deadline to file is extended to the next good business day. Like every other tax hating citizen, I like to wait until the very last second to give them my money. Apparently the NYC Dept of Finance forgot the non-good business day deadline rule. I called the department and the woman answering the phone concurs that my envelope was postmarked the 17th and I shouldn't have been charged the fees. Unfortunately, they can't make adjustments over the phone, so I will have to submit my dispute via snail mail. I tried to make the letter as neutral as possible, but at the same time expressing my displeasure at the whole taxation system.
I wonder how many people got a similar notice and just paid the extra tax without disputing. I wonder if the DoF will realize their mistake and refund anyone that's sent in a check for an incorrectly assessed late filing fee. I'm again reminded of the cartoon...
Anyway, last week I was happily on my way home when I stopped at my mailbox. Instantly my good mood vanished when I saw the envelope with the words "Finance New York" on it. But perhaps I was supposed to get a refund and didn't know it? Did the NYS taxation dept calculate a mistake in my return and send me a check for the refund? As I'm typing this, I'm reminded of this cartoon.
Anyway, with my heart already starting to beat faster, I get into my apartment and rip open the letter. "Notice of Tax Due". wtf??!! I already paid my taxes - and then some. I have no blood left to give.
It turns out they're charging me a late filing penalty. This pisses me off. I sent my return on the 17th of April, knowing that the 15th fell on a weekend so the deadline to file is extended to the next good business day. Like every other tax hating citizen, I like to wait until the very last second to give them my money. Apparently the NYC Dept of Finance forgot the non-good business day deadline rule. I called the department and the woman answering the phone concurs that my envelope was postmarked the 17th and I shouldn't have been charged the fees. Unfortunately, they can't make adjustments over the phone, so I will have to submit my dispute via snail mail. I tried to make the letter as neutral as possible, but at the same time expressing my displeasure at the whole taxation system.
I wonder how many people got a similar notice and just paid the extra tax without disputing. I wonder if the DoF will realize their mistake and refund anyone that's sent in a check for an incorrectly assessed late filing fee. I'm again reminded of the cartoon...
posted by KC at
2:55 AM
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