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You’ve Gotta Be Quicker Than That

Why your tax refund may be taking longer than expected this year

This year, tax refunds might get a little tricky.

Not in a sky is falling kind of way. More like a why is this taking so long kind of way.

The IRS has been hitting pause on some refunds when something on a return doesn’t line up perfectly. A missing number, a typo, income that doesn’t match what employers reported, or bank info that needs to be double checked can all send a return into review mode. When that happens, your refund waits while the IRS asks a few follow-up questions.

Some refunds are also delayed on purpose. Certain tax credits automatically trigger extra review time. Even if everything is filed correctly, the IRS is required to slow things down to make sure the numbers check out. It’s less about suspicion and more about preventing fraud.

Then there’s identity verification. If the IRS wants to make sure you are actually you, they’ll stop the process until you confirm it. No confirmation, no refund. Simple as that.

The common thread here is accuracy. The cleaner the return, the fewer reasons the IRS has to tap the brakes.

So if your refund feels slower than expected this year, it doesn’t mean something is wrong. It usually means the IRS is being cautious.

A little preparation goes a long way. Clean records, correct info, and filing carefully can save weeks of waiting and a lot of unnecessary stress.

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What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Measles Makes an Unexpected Return

What Southshore residents should know about recent measles cases in Tampa Bay

If you thought measles was something we left behind with rotary phones and dial-up internet, it might be time for a quick reality check. Florida health officials have confirmed three measles cases statewide, and two of them are in the Tampa Bay area, including one in Hillsborough County. So yes, this is officially close to home.

Before anyone panics or starts side-eyeing everyone in the grocery store, here’s what actually matters. Measles is one of the most contagious viruses out there. It spreads through the air, can linger longer than you’d expect, and people can pass it along before they even realize they’re sick. That’s why health officials take even a small number of cases seriously.

Symptoms usually start with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by the telltale rash. For most people, it’s miserable but manageable. For others, especially those who are unvaccinated, it can lead to serious complications.

The bigger picture is this. Measles was once considered eliminated in the U.S., but lower vaccination rates and increased travel have helped it make a comeback in recent years. That’s why doctors are urging families to double-check immunization records, especially for kids.

For Southshore, this isn’t a reason to panic, but it is a reminder. We live in a connected community. Schools, events, workplaces, and kids passing germs like Pokémon cards all make staying informed important.

Stay aware. Know the symptoms. And maybe take a minute to confirm everyone in your household is up to date on their shots. Prevention is a lot easier than explaining why measles suddenly showed up in your group chat.

Southshore Spotlight

Enterprising Latinas

Enterprising Latinas is a Tampa Bay nonprofit focused on economic empowerment for women, especially Latinas, by providing workforce development, career support, business coaching, education and training, and access to capital. Their programs help women build skills, launch or grow businesses, and find meaningful employment, while also addressing wage and opportunity gaps in the community. Each year, the organization serves thousands of women with training, mentoring, networking, and employment support that strengthens economic mobility and community prosperity.

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