Georgia State issues $12 million in tax refunds, takes them back

The state Department of Revenue issued $12 million in tax refunds beginning last week to more than 30,000 Georgians, then began withdrawing them from bank accounts Monday, leaving people overdrawn and wondering where their money went.

Revenue Commissioner Douglas J. MacGinnitie, who was appointed to the job eight days ago, apologized to Georgians Wednesday and blamed a computer error. He said that someone discovered that more money was issued in some refunds than people should have gotten, so the state began reeling the money back in.

He said the department corrected the error and began depositing the refunds back into people's accounts today.

But people were not notified, and some banks were not told what was going on until Tuesday afteoon, when customers began complaining.

Jay Lawrence, a Wells Fargo spokesman, said the bank had to contact the state to figure out what was going on.

"We reached out to the state yesterday and we offered to work with them and see what we could do to help them sort it out," Lawrence said.

MacGinnitie said, "Clearly, we need to work to make the Department of Revenue more customer-focused. I assume that is why the goveor asked me to take this job."

Gov. Nathan Deal appointed MacGinnitie Jan. 18.

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