Iranian American family slams anti-war protesters in US, recalls life under regime
When an Iranian American husband and wife see protests against the war with Iran in the United States, they shudder, recalling living and being raised under a regime that “controlled” their young lives.
Since its start, Operation Epic Fury has drawn scrutiny from the American public, inspiring anti-war protests across the country.
Behzad Hemmati and Rahil Nazarian both had the opportunity to come to America from Iran as young adults.
Decades later, Hemmati, 50, and Nazarian, 42, told Fox News Digital that they are watching the situation unfold from their new home in Southern California, and to them, this conflict isn’t a war, it’s a “rescue mission.”
Born under the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Hemmati recalls he was too young to experience the “good things” before the Islamic Revolution in 1979 overthrew Pahlavi’s reign.
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“I came here [just because of] my natural personality, I couldn’t bear with the things that [were] happening [in Iran],” Hemmati said.
He recalled his life as a teenager and said, “You want to be yourself, to be free,” but shared that what Western culture considers a “normal” teenage life, wasn’t allowed in Iran.
“You want to dance, you want to hang out with your friends, but we couldn’t … girls and boys [are] always separate,” Hemmati explained. “This is how [the government] control[s] you, this is how [they] break you in pieces and take that beautiful life that you can have [and] take it away from you.”
Nazarian was born during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s. Her father was a teacher and after the Islamic Revolution, she explained that the Islamic Republic took her family’s home, their land and her father was unable to work.
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“After [Ayatollah Ruhollah] Khomeini came and took over, they fired [my father] because they told him, ‘You work during Shah, you don’t deserve this,” Nazarian said.
Murderous regime
In an emotional moment, she recalled her father being brought back and forth between Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) camps until one day, he did not come back.
“They were executing most of his family members,” Nazarian said.
“One day, he went, and they told him, ‘Oh, we have a plan for you, we’re gonna give you back everything we took to you, we’re going to give it back to you,’” Nazarian recalled. “He left home [that day], he never came back.”
Since the initial strikes in Operation Epic Fury that began in the early-morning hours of Feb. 28, the conflict has struck a chord with the American public, leading to backlash against the Trump administration.
Still, when Hemmati and Nazarian see protests against military action, Hemmati told Fox News Digital that they “don’t understand.”
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“People should understand [here], those that they don’t understand,” he said. “People are going on the street and saying no to war, I can tell you 100%, they have no idea.”
The operation has also garnered support from many in the Iranian American community.
Hemmati said protests in favor of U.S. military action in the country have sprung up around Southern California, and that he attends an event almost every weekend. He says this is a way for people to be the voice for people inside Iran who are in favor of the operation.
“[Iranian’s] inside Iran want to show the world — obviously, they can’t do anything because everything is disconnected from Iran — but that’s why we’re going out to be their voice,” Hemmati said.
Family in Iran
Nazarian and Hemmati said they spoke to relatives still living in Iran and despite constant bombardments near their homes, they’re “glad this is happening.”
“No matter what happens, no matter if we lose our house, no matter if the whole house is destroyed, as long as we’re alive to fight back, we’re still grateful and happy,” Hemmati said.
“They were thanking President [Donald] Trump and said, it’s OK, we have to pay the price for freedom,” Nazarian continued.
Hemmati said by targeting specific IRGC locations the operation is “cutting the regime’s bloodlines.”
“They’re targeting those very special places for their government,” Hemmati said. “Once they’re eliminated, then it’s time for people to go out.”
Once able, Nazarian and Hemmati said they’ll be on the first flight to Iran to see family for a long-overdue visit.
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“[Our] kids are so thirsty to see their cousins, their family, because I don’t have any family [in the US],” Nazarian said. “I haven’t seen them for nine years [and Hemmati] hasn’t been there for 19 years.”
“[This] is what I’ve been waiting for [for 47 years],” Hemmati said. “Unfortunately, we’re going to lose some lives in this rescue mission … but again, people are saying inside Iran, they’re saying, ‘How many are we gonna lose? … We’re ready to sacrifice again until we get to [freedom].’”
‘Distressed’ TSA officer hasn’t been paid since DHS shutdown as airport chaos mounts
As the lapse in funding at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues, many TSA agents have been forced to accept only partial paychecks for their work — and if the shutdown persists, that partial pay will dry up.
Many are already receiving no pay at all.
Deondre White, a Transportation Security officer (TSO) at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in D.C., is in the latter category — and told Fox News Digital that morale among officers “has not been the best.”
“We are trying to do our job,” White said Tuesday in an interview. “It’s very crucial to the TSA mission, but, of course, expenses have been our number-one concern.”
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He has not received a paycheck since the furlough, he said — and is unsure if and when that will change.
Over 300 airport security officers have left TSA since the start of the DHS shutdown, with callouts — or unscheduled absences — rising to an average of 6% during the shutdown, a TSA official confirmed to Fox News Digital.
White said that thanks to the financial support of his family, he’s been able “to show up” for his work.
“I’m thankful for my family to be able to come to work and be able to provide gas [to travel to work] because the gas prices have been rising,” he said. “However, there are a lot of officers here who do not have those resources or family commitments from others [to help them out].”
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He said that many security officers who have families are struggling to figure out how to take care of their children and other dependents.
White is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He worked as a banker before moving to the Washington metro area and taking a job as a transportation security officer.
“The majority of TSOs are financially trying to do the best that they can,” he said.
“But again, the foreseeable future is unknown — and we just want some answers,” White said.
“We just want some answers.”
“It’s just very unfair to have to be in this situation again, not being compensated for what we are entitled to as transportation security officers.”
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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently addressed the DHS shutdown, saying, “It’s completely ridiculous that the American people are suffering as a result of these partisan games that are being played by Democrats on Capitol Hill.”
Said White, “How are we going to pay our bills? Loans [are] not an option for everyone, and accumulating more debt prior to the last shutdown is … ridiculous.”
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He added, “My only message [to government officials] is just to believe that we are hurting. We are trying to do the best we can, but this is honestly an unfortunate situation.
“I just want you to know that we’re hurting, and we deserve to be compensated for what we do. And I hope that we are heard, because I think a lot of us are feeling very, very distressed, and feeling a little bit left out that we aren’t being taken seriously for what we do.”
“We love our jobs. We are very committed to the mission. TSA is very important,” he said.
“We are very thankful to be able to do what we do every day — but that involves a paycheck as well, unfortunately, and being able to support our families. We are entitled to that.”
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As airports across the country face long security line delays, passengers should remember to be patient, he said.
“When we’re here, we will do our best as always,” said White. “We have a crucial mission. We do take that very seriously — and just respect that. We are trying to make sure that you are as safe as possible.”
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White said the recent policy change allowing passengers to keep their shoes on has helped speed up lines, as well as TSA’s implementation of new technology.
CNN host says she takes ‘full responsibility’ for false claim about NYC terror attack
CNN host Abby Phillip issued an on-air correction Wednesday night for her comment about the ISIS-inspired terror attack in New York City last weekend after offering a mea culpa on social media earlier in the day.
“This morning I issued a correction first thing in the morning on X for a mistake that I made in last night’s show, but I also wanted to do so on air as well,” Phillip told viewers. “I incorrectly said that the bombs that were thrown by ISIS-inspired suspects in New York over the weekend were directed at Mayor Mamdani. They were not. I failed to catch and correct that mistake in real time and I take full responsibility for that.”
“And while we do make mistakes, it is important to acknowledge and correct those errors when they happen,” Phillip added.
CNN REPORTER DELETES POST FALSELY CALLING MAMDANI ‘TARGET OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE’ IN LATEST FOUL-UP
Phillip issued an apology on X after she had gone viral for falsely claiming the attempted terrorist attack was “against” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Notably, during Phillip’s program Tuesday night, CNN political commentator Ana Navarro repeated the falsehood, which was corrected by Republican panelist Joe Borelli.
“To be clear, the attack wasn’t on Mayor Mamdani,” Borelli told Navarro. “It was attacking protesters, people protesting Mamdani. To frame it as an anti-Muslim attack would actually completely reverse what happened. Someone who shouted ‘Allah Akbar’ threw a bomb that didn’t go off at the protesters.”
CNN BOTCHES NEW YORK TERRORIST ATTACK COVERAGE, FORCED TO ISSUE MULTIPLE CORRECTIONS
CNN senior reporter Edward-Isaac Dovere similarly claimed on X that Mamdani was a “target of political violence.” Dovere later deleted the post and issued a correction.
“I want to correct something I posted earlier on X, which inaccurately implied that Mayor Mamdani was the target of political violence in last week’s ISIS-inspired attempted terror attack in New York City,” Dovere wrote.
“Law enforcement officials have said the two terror suspects threw improvised explosive devices at an anti-Islam demonstration and a counterprotest near Mayor Mamdani’s home Saturday, but did not say that he was the target. I apologize for the error and have deleted the original post.”
CNN’s botched coverage of the attack began Tuesday when it oddly portrayed the terror suspects as teenagers who could have simply enjoyed nice weather.
“Two Pennsylvania teenagers crossed into New York City Saturday morning for what could’ve been a normal day enjoying the city during abnormally warm weather,” CNN’s now-deleted X post said. “But in less than an hour, their lives would drastically change as the pair would be arrested for throwing homemade bombs during an anti-Muslim protest outside of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s home. Here’s what we know so far.”
The network followed up with this explanation on X: “A post regarding the two individuals arrested for throwing homemade bombs outside of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s home failed to reflect the gravity of the incident thereby breaching the editorial standards we require for all our reporting. It has therefore been deleted.”
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Pennsylvania residents Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, were charged with material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and use of a weapon of mass destruction after they allegedly tossed explosive devices toward law enforcement and anti-Muslim demonstrators outside Gracie Mansion on Saturday protesting Mamdani.
Both of the terrorist suspects are U.S. citizens. One suspect’s parents are naturalized U.S. citizens from Turkey, while the other suspect’s parents are naturalized U.S. citizens from Afghanistan.
Bigfoot buzz explodes in community after six sightings reported in just four days
A series of social media posts from a cryptid-focused podcast has ignited speculation about widespread Bigfoot sightings in northeast Ohio, with enthusiasts pointing to what they describe as a concentrated burst of activity.
The Bigfoot Society, a podcast and online community dedicated to collecting eyewitness accounts of Sasquatch encounters, says it had received six separate reports between March 6 and March 10 in wooded areas near Mantua and Garrettsville, southeast of Cleveland.
The group has described the cluster as a possible “flap,” a term used in cryptozoology for multiple sightings within a short time span.
“It’s normal for there to be Bigfoot sightings all over the United States, but it’s not normal to have multiple sightings in a small area within a short number of days,” Jeremiah Byron, host of the Bigfoot Society Podcast, told Fox 8.
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According to summaries shared by the organization, the reported encounters include:
- March 6: A witness described a brown, approximately 9-foot-tall figure seen outdoors.
- March 7: A reported brown, 8-foot-tall figure, along with alleged footprints and deep “grunts.”
- March 9: A reported black, 8-foot-tall figure.
- March 9: A separate account of a black, 10-foot-tall figure said to be accompanied by a heavy, musky odor.
- March 9: A witness reported seeing a brown, roughly 6-foot-tall figure from about 100 feet away through a window.
- March 10: An account describing an 8- to 10-foot-tall “large black shadow” said not to resemble a bear.
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In social media posts, the Bigfoot Society urged residents in Portage County to “pay attention,” suggesting that “something’s moving through these corridors.”
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“So, if you’re in this area, keep your eyes open and maybe your doors locked because there could be a Bigfoot in the same general vicinity.” said one poster in the group, which has 282,000 members.
According to a flurry of recent posts in the group, several Bigfoot hunters claimed to have “locked eyes with a nine-foot-tall, brown-haired Sasquatch.”
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The group has not released photographs, video or independently verified physical evidence tied to the reports.
“The Bigfoot community is extremely excited because we thought we’d never live through anything like this again where there’s a massive amount of sightings in such a short amount of time,” Byron told Fox 8.
SEN CYNTHIA LUMMIS: Don’t hand China the nuclear future — build it here at home
Wyoming has been powering this country for over a century. If you look at the Wyoming state flag, specifically the seal in the middle of the bison, there is a miner pictured to represent the priority we have long placed on powering the country. Most people think of coal, oil, natural gas and other mineral resources when they think about our state. But Wyoming is also leading the way when it comes to the nuclear energy industry.
The incredible demand for energy, both here at home and worldwide, driven by the artificial intelligence boom, is not slowing down anytime soon. This industry requires vast amounts of reliable baseload power, and the countries that can deliver it will control the next era of economic and technological leadership.
For more than a decade, America’s electricity demand barely budged. That era is completely over. Demand jumped 3% in 2024 alone, and in the coming years the EIA predicts we will need close to a trillion more kilowatt-hours than we use today. To put that in perspective, that’s roughly equivalent to powering every home in America twice. Wyoming has the uranium, the workforce and the next-generation technology to help meet that moment.
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The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) approval last week of a construction permit for TerraPower’s Kemmerer Power Station, a sodium-cooled advanced nuclear reactor to be built in western Wyoming, is a big deal for our state. The approval of this permit is proof that when industry and government operate with focus, efficiency, and integrity, America can build tomorrow’s technologies right here at home in a reasonable regulatory timeframe. The NRC, under President Trump’s leadership, has delivered on this approval ahead of its own timeline, demonstrating that America is serious about leading in this industry.
Wyoming sits atop the largest uranium deposits in the country. During the Cold War, Wyoming was one of the nation’s top uranium producers — a legacy that didn’t disappear, it’s been waiting for the right moment to return. With the right regulatory framework and private sector investment, that moment is now. Wyoming miners and energy workers have the experience and the tools to extract these resources responsibly, and to help safely expand nuclear power across the country.
This policy fight is larger than one single community or facility. It is about reclaiming America’s nuclear fuel supply chain from our adversaries and restoring next-generation nuclear energy production here at home. For decades, we made the costly mistake of purchasing uranium from Russia. I proudly led the successful congressional effort to ban that practice, and today President Trump, Interior Secretary Burgum, and Energy Secretary Wright are working to rebuild America’s uranium and nuclear supply chain from the ground up. We cannot afford to depend on foreign powers for any resources fundamental to our energy security.
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Both China and Russia have rapidly boosted nuclear energy production in the last ten years and are aggressively working to export their own nuclear technology. Countries around the world are interested in embracing nuclear energy, and it is vital that Wyoming and the United States lead the way instead of surrendering that economic opportunity, technology and mining dominance to our competitors. China leads the world in nuclear reactor construction, with over 30 new plants underway. But they aren’t just building them for themselves. Beijing desperately wants to export their nuclear technology around the world, and tie other countries to Chinese designs and Chinese supply chains for decades to come.
Wyoming isn’t going to let that happen without a fight. The Kemmerer Power Station puts us at the front of this race. It will power our communities, put Wyoming workers to work, and show the rest of the world how next-generation nuclear energy actually gets done.
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Wyoming has always been, and will always be, an energy state. It’s what we do, it’s our expertise, and we are proud of it. As America’s energy and electricity needs grow, Wyoming must be the state to meet the demand and provide it at a price that American families and companies can afford. I believe that nuclear power will be a critical component of the baseload playbook for the future.
The Trump administration has worked extremely hard to ensure that our energy grid will continue to be secure and loaded. Wyoming is not just ready for the energy future; we are leading it.
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Student’s mother uncovers disturbing evidence, triggering teacher’s arrest
Washington parents are demanding answers after a 62-year-old physical education teacher and athletic director at Skykomish K-12 School was arrested Friday on suspicion of sexually abusing a student for more than a year.
Records obtained by Fox News Digital show that a Washington state man was booked March 6 by the King County Sheriff’s Office during the investigation of the rape of a child.
Fox News Digital is not naming the individual because he has not been formally charged.
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said on Tuesday that it has not yet received the case but expects it Wednesday from the sheriff’s office for a charging decision.
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According to investigators, the female student, now 14, transferred to the school in seventh grade and bonded with the teacher over a shared interest in soccer after experiencing the traumatic loss of a friend at her previous school.
She was allegedly given gifts and special treatment from the teacher before the interactions became sexual in eighth grade.
The alleged abuse, which included sexual intercourse, continued for about a year and a half and took place in multiple locations on campus, including in closets, stairwells and the gymnasium during the school day, according to the probable cause statement.
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The relationship became increasingly personal over time, with frequent communication through his school district email account that investigators allege included coded references to sexual activity.
Deputies also allege the teacher admitted to repeated sexual contact with the student inside the school and acknowledged purchasing gifts for her, including lingerie.
The probable cause statement says multiple staff members and students raised concerns about the relationship.
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Investigators allege the principal at the school instructed the 62-year-old not to be alone with the student, but instead of assigning adult supervision, another student, described as autistic, was present while the two were in the same area.
The case came to light after the student’s mother discovered nude images and videos on her daughter’s phone and contacted law enforcement, according to investigators.
“I’m shaking right now because I’m pretty irritated about this,” said Maria, a parent of a young child in the district, who didn’t want to provide her last name, in an interview with local Fox 13.
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She said her son saw the teacher being arrested and was “very upset about it.”
The Skykomish School District released a statement on Sunday, telling parents it had “no advance notice that the employee was under investigation until the day of his arrest.”
Superintendent Destry Jones said the school is “cooperating fully with the investigation” and described student safety and well-being as its “highest priority.”
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Jones said the district will aim to remain transparent as more information becomes available while “respecting the privacy of the youth involved.”
“We ask community members to be mindful and respectful of student privacy when sharing information with each other and the community about this topic. Our focus remains on maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students,” the superintendent added.
The King County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital that detectives with the Special Assault Unit are continuing to investigate the case.
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Authorities believe there are no additional victims at this time and said they welcome any relevant information from members of the public.
Fox 13 reported the teacher is being held on $750,000 bail.
Back-to-back Cy Young winner compared to Benedict Arnold after Team USA exit
Tarik Skubal, the back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner, was always scheduled to return to the Detroit Tigers after making one World Baseball Classic (WBC) start for Team USA.
He even got backing from teammates, who understood why he was leaving the tournament early.
But what Skubal didn’t expect was the social media backlash from USA fans, who have been comparing him to infamous American traitor Benedict Arnold.
Yes, some have been calling Skubal the equivalent of Arnold, who changed his American uniform for a British one in the Revolutionary War. Skubal doesn’t believe that’s fair, especially considering he didn’t go to another team in the WBC.
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Instead, he returned to his MLB squad to continue ramping up for an important season ahead of a potential free agent offseason after the 2026 campaign.
“It’s just not fair,” Skubal said about the Arnold comparison, via The Athletic. “But that’s part of the business. It’s part of the game. If they know me, though, on a personal level, and they know what my peers think of me, I don’t think it’s fair to say those things.
“This was always the plan, and as emotional or how much I wanted to (stay), it just didn’t make sense, given the timing.”
TARIK SKUBAL LEAVES TEAM USA TO RETURN TO TIGERS CAMP DESPITE MIXED FEELINGS AFTER SUCCESSFUL START
Perhaps it’s fitting Skubal’s start came against Great Britain considering the angle of vitriol he has received, but he seemed to have second thoughts about that original plan after pitching in the 9-1 victory.
“I didn’t expect these types of emotions to run through my brain or my thoughts to differ,” Skubal told reporters, per ESPN. “I was pretty committed to making a start and getting back to camp.
“Things have changed, obviously. That’s why I’m going to have some conversations and try to figure out a plan for me. But, yeah, I don’t know either way.
“it’s hard to walk away from that” after celebrating at Daikin Park last week.
But he consulted with coaches and teammates before ultimately deciding to stick to the original plan.
“He’s got the two Cy Young awards, but this guy’s about to make half a billion dollars here in the next offseason,” Team USA captain Aaron Judge said, according to USA Today.
“So, for him to put it all on the line for his country and come out here and show up for us. … You know, maybe it is just one game, but you know there’s a risk with everything you do, and for him to take that risk and come out here and be with us, the boys love it.”
Since then, things have gotten a bit tense for Team USA, which was expected to get through Pool B with relative ease to advance to the quarterfinals in Miami. Instead, Team USA was shockingly upset by Italy, 8-6, Tuesday night, and its advancement now hangs in the balance.
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Team USA will be watching intently as Italy faces Mexico in a game that will determine which two teams advance. Team USA either needs Italy to win outright or Mexico to win while scoring five or more runs.
Skubal will likely be watching in hopes his Team USA squad gets down to Miami. He said he would try to be there if they make the WBC final March 17.
Former No 1 pick pursued by NFL team that already has QB on roster: report
Kyler Murray’s time with the Arizona Cardinals is officially over after the team released him at the start of the new league year Wednesday.
Murray is now a free agent who can speak with any team who may want his services in 2026 and beyond. But it looks like one team is going to be heavily pursuing the former No. 1 overall pick.
The Minnesota Vikings, despite having 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy entering his third season with the club, are the “overwhelming favorite” to sign Murray, according to ESPN.
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McCarthy, who didn’t play his rookie year due to a season-ending injury in the preseason, got his first taste of regular-season NFL football in 2025. But McCarthy struggled despite a 6-4 record in 10 games. Injuries cost him time yet again.
With McCarthy’s status uncertain in Minnesota, it appears head coach Kevin O’Connell and the rest of the organization are looking for a veteran who could possibly step in while McCarthy develops.
Murray could be that signal-caller after a roller-coaster seven-year tenure with Arizona, going 38-48-1 in 87 games. He apologized to Cardinals fans last week, confirming the team’s intentions to release him despite still owing him $36.8 million in guaranteed money from his five-year, $230.5 million extension he signed in 2022.
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“To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you,” Murray wrote on X. “I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77-year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us. I wish this community and my brothers nothing but the best.
“I am no stranger to adversity, I am prepared for whatever’s next. I trust in God and my work ethic. I truly believe my best ball is in front of me and I look forward to proving it. Godspeed.”
Murray, 28, has had an up-and-down NFL career thus far, and injuries and inconsistent play have been a storyline he couldn’t shake despite games when he proved why the team loved him as the first overall pick.
Last season, Murray went 2-3 in his five games, throwing for six touchdowns and three interceptions before a foot injury knocked him out the rest of the way. Jacoby Brissett, who figures to take over as the team’s starter in the second year of the two-year deal he signed last offseason with the franchise, took over for Murray and thrived despite what the record said. He threw for a career-high 3,366 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
The Cardinals, though, finished 3-14, and the franchise went in a different direction and fired head coach Jonathan Gannon. Mike LaFleur, who served as the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator, is his replacement heading into 2026.
Early in his Cardinals tenure, Murray was a player to build around after making back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2020 and 2021, the latter of which he threw for 3,787 yards and 24 touchdowns and ran for 423 yards with five scores on the ground. He also rushed for 819 yards with 11 rushing scores in 2020, a part of his game that made him so electric.
Injuries, though, have hampered Murray’s career, including a torn ACL in Week 14 of the 2022 season that resulted in him missing nine games in 2023. Then, after a full 17-game season in 2024, he injured a foot.
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With quarterback-needy teams like the Miami Dolphins (Malik Willis) and New York Jets (Geno Smith) already filling their depth chart earlier this week, the Vikings seem to be the best option if Murray is looking for a fresh start with a chance to make the playoffs.
It’s also worth noting the Pittsburgh Steelers still don’t have a starting quarterback for next season as they seemingly await word on what Aaron Rodgers wants to do in 2026.
Taxpayers in several states may face delays in receiving their tax refunds
Taxpayers in several states may face delays in receiving their tax refunds this filing season amid changes in tax policies as well as the processes for filing returns.
Tax refunds are issued to taxpayers when the amount of taxes they paid over the course of the year is greater than the amount of liability based on their return after deductions or credits are applied. Refunds are issued by the IRS at the federal level, while state revenue agencies distribute refunds based on their policies.
This tax season’s refunds have been larger following the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) at the federal level, which extended lower tax rates that were set to expire and also created new deductions that required the IRS and Treasury Department to implement new rules for handling them.
Several states have informed taxpayers that their state-level tax refunds may be delayed this tax season for a variety of reasons, including the need to update tax forms and systems to account for OBBBA’s changes at the federal level. Many taxpayers rely on the financial boost of a tax refund check to help shore up household budgets or for special expenses.
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Taxpayers in New York who filed early this tax season may face processing delays due to the timing of software updates that were installed in early February, which could leave some taxpayers in a “processing loop” according to a report by Kiplinger.
Federal tax policy shifts and the state of New York’s inflation refund checks that were disbursed late last year may not have been accounted for prior to the software update.
Idaho’s budget office announced last month that tax refunds may be delayed up to six weeks this filing season due to several factors.
The agency noted that Idaho cut the budgets of most state agencies in the last two years, which has left the state government with fewer temporary workers who can assist with processing tax returns. Idaho also enacted a law last month that retroactively added similar tax breaks from OBBBA to the state tax code, including the deductions for tipped income and interest on new car loans.
AMERICANS SEE BIGGER TAX REFUNDS SO FAR THIS YEAR AS FILING SEASON BEGINS AT A SLOWER PACE
Oregon announced that taxpayers who filed paper returns won’t see their refunds until early April because the state Department of Revenue won’t begin processing paper returns until the latter part of this month.
The agency said there was a delay in receiving tax forms from the IRS that pertained to tax law changes under OBBBA, while it also adopted some of the law’s policies at the state level, such as a larger standard deduction and a deduction for overtime pay.
Those changes have prompted changes to tax forms and the agency’s tax return processing systems for paper returns. Oregon’s Department of Revenue is encouraging taxpayers to file electronically this season to avoid delays.
HERE’S WHEN TAXPAYERS WILL GET THEIR REFUNDS
South Carolina taxpayers are facing complications after the legislature didn’t update some of its state-level tax provisions to account for the OBBBA, meaning some federal provisions are accounted for at the state level.
The discrepancy created issues with tax software programs trying to correctly calculate manual “add backs” of federal tax breaks on returns, which led to delays and may require some filers to submit an amended return.
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Taxpayers in the District of Columbia may face refund delays due to Congress overturning a D.C. tax law that had created a divergence from OBBBA provisions in federal law. Those changes prompted a software update in February, which could require some filers to re-file their returns after forms have been revised.