Illinois residents shouldn't expect speedy state income tax refunds this year. The Illinois Department of Revenue says they'll be delayed by new security measures being implemented to deter identity theft and fraud.
Agency spokesman Terry Horstman says it could take a week or longer, rather than days, to get refunds once taxes are filed.
Both paper and electronic filings will be affected, though electronic filings still will be quicker. Officials aren't identifying the safety measures to prevent someone from bypassing them.
Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office says there were 408 fraud complaints last year involving tax refunds.
Brent Leach is a certified public accountant in Springfield. He says he's seeing more cases of identity theft as more people file online.
