Image by alancleaver_2000 via Flickr

Is the state going to pay interest on delayed tax returns? Keep in mind that a tax return means you overpaid on your taxes, and the state is refunding that overpayment - already without interest. So when they're holding it longer, they should owe you more for loaning them the money.

"We paid all the way up until we hit $1.25 billion (in refunds)" Budget Director Robert Megna said Tuesday, explaining approximately $500 million is being delayed in order to get the state through the cash flow crunch that comes every March and is particularly bad this year.

About 1.35 million New Yorkers already have their income tax refunds in hand. Those who file from about now on should get their checks in about a month, Megna said.

But those who filed in late February and early March will likely have to wait about six weeks rather than the usual four weeks.