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.

HOW TO AVOID TAX SCAMS THIS FILING SEASON

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.

Time Out has released its annual 50 Best Cities in the World list, and for 2026, three cities in Australia made the cut.

In fact, one of these three Aussie cities has been declared the best city on the world. Can you guess what it is?

Melbourne is Time Out’s Best City in the World for 2026

Yes, you read that right. Melbourne is this year’s best city in the world, according to Time Out. It climbed up from its fourth-place finish last year.

“Melbourne’s coolest streets and neighbourhoods are filled with gems, from indie cinemas and rooftop bars to vinyl shops and quirky galleries,” said Time Out.

“And don’t let anyone tell you Melbourne is all personality over looks – we’ve got grand, heritage-listed buildings, laneways lined with colourful murals, world-class gardens and a river (the Yarra) that holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for local Indigenous communities,” it added.

Sydney Places 21st

Joining Melbourne on the list is Sydney, which ranks 21st on the list this year.

“Sydney is renowned for its natural beauty, but if you peel back the layers that make it one of the prettiest cities in the world – the harbour, beaches, bushwalks – you’ll find a trove of qualities that cement Sydney as one of the most exciting places, too,” Time Out said of the city.

Armed with green spaces and great food, Time Out says that any time is the best time to visit Sydney.

Adelaide Places 29th

Last and definitely not the least, Adelaide likewise made it to this year’s 50 Best Cities in the World list.

Time Out points out that Adelaide has been hailed as a “UNESCO City of Music” as well as a foodie destination thanks to its Central Market.

“Tucked between vine-laced hills and a wild stretch of coastline, this compact capital delivers big on dining, culture and pretty landscapes,” Time Out said.

Indian assets dropped on Thursday and the rupee fell to a record low, as a fresh surge in crude oil prices reignited worries over ‌the ⁠economic impact ⁠from energy supply disruptions even as the currency’s fall was cushioned by central bank intervention.

Brent crude oil prices climbed to $100 per barrel as Iran stepped up attacks on oil and transport facilities across the Middle East, warning the ⁠world to ‌brace for oil at $200 a barrel.

The rupee fell 0.3% to 92.3575, eclipsing its previous ⁠lifetime low of 92.3475 hit earlier in the week.

India’s benchmark equity index Nifty 50 fell about 1%, the yield on the benchmark 10-year bond rose 4 bps, and the rupee averted a fresh record low largely on the back of ‌central bank intervention, traders said.

Asian currencies weakened across the board, while MSCI’s gauge of regional stocks fell more ⁠than 1.5%.

“We expect the RBI to intervene in 92.30-92.35. However if Brent continues to remain elevated for a couple of sessions, the RBI may have to let the rupee go,” said Abhishek Goenka, chief executive at FX advisory firm IFA Global.

BARTOW, Florida – Florida is facing its worst drought in 25 years, intensifying pressure on a citrus industry already battered by disease, hurricanes and rising costs.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 100% of the state is experiencing some level of drought, with more than 75% in extreme drought conditions. The dry spell is adding new financial strain for growers who rely heavily on irrigation to sustain crops.

Florida accounts for 17% of the nation’s citrus production, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. For many communities, the industry remains a key economic driver.

“There are multiple companies across our county and across our state, and it’s definitely a lifeline to a lot of Floridians here,” said Jennifer Schaal, VP of finance at Dundee Citrus Growers Association. “It’s what they depend on.”

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However, nature has been anything but dependable for Florida farmers.

Back in 2000, the state’s citrus industry covered over 800,000 acres. Today, that figure has fallen to just over 200,000 acres, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, reflecting years of disease pressure and storm damage.

“The number one challenge the industry has had over the years is citrus greening disease,” said Steven Callaham, executive vice president and CEO of Dundee Citrus Growers Association. “And then on top of that challenge, we’ve experienced numerous hurricanes.”

RECENT HURRICANES CAUSE FLORIDA CITRUS PRODUCTION TO FALL AS FARMS WORK THROUGH DAMAGE

Recent freezes and now drought conditions have compounded those pressures.

“When you irrigate, it requires a pump that is either powered by diesel or it’s powered by electricity, and it gets very, very expensive,” explained Callaham.

Dundee Citrus Growers Association is one of the largest fresh fruit cooperatives in the state of Florida, harvesting citrus from over 10,000 acres. 

“It’s been challenging over the last year,” added Bill Bohde, director of agronomy at Dundee Citrus. “During the bloom period, water is critical. It determines how well the fruit sizes and ultimately, you know, how large your crop will be.”

As citrus acreage dwindles throughout the state, the company has found a solution to nature’s many obstacles with something called “CUPS,” or Citrus Under Protective Screens. 

Orange groves are planted under 10-acre white tent structures, also known as pods. Originally installed to prevent disease in citrus plants, the structures are also helping growers better manage soil moisture during the historic drought.

CITRUS INDUSTRY HAS BEEN PUT ‘BACK ON ITS HEELS’: MATT JOYNER

“Everything is pumped through a series of pipes into this black tubing, and every tree has a very small emitter that puts, you know, puts out an amount of water,” explained Bhode.

The system allows for precise irrigation, creating a controlled environment that can support fruit production even during prolonged dry spells.

“This ten-acre pod will produce between 8,000 and 10,000 boxes per pod,” said Callaham. “The trees in this environment, they’re happy. They grow faster than trees do in traditional outdoor groves, and they come into production quicker. So it’s one way that we can really get the industry back on track.”

USDA production data show mixed results across citrus categories. Florida lemon production increased 4% from last season, while tangerine and tangelo output was unchanged. Grapefruit production declined 8%, and non-Valencia orange production fell 2%, according to the agency.

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“If I wasn’t optimistic, I would not be in the citrus business,” said Callaham. “So I think we have a lot of positives going for us right now, you know? The challenges we have are temporary. We’re going to make it through.”