Tax returns: What’s the holdup?
Re: “State to begin processing individual tax returns,” Feb. 19 news story
What’s going on at the Colorado Department of Revenue? It has been reported that the department is not processing income tax returns, even though we are in the second half of February! I was just on the revenue website, and there was a banner that said the 2024 return link would be coming soon. “Please check in late February 2025.”
I worked at the Department of Revenue (DOR) for 25 years, the majority of which was as a computer programmer for the income tax system. For 10 years I was the lead programmer on that system. I left in 2013, worked at another agency and retired in 2016. Every year from 1989 to 2008, with one exception (2000), we installed the new year income tax changes by the second business day of the new year, generally Jan. 3.
I was involved in the 2008-2012 project that rewrote the entirety of the tax systems at DOR. We were told that the new system (server-based rather than mainframe-based) would be more efficient and easier to change. I observed the system was faster from my vantage point as a tax-paying citizen.
What’s the problem today?
Ross M Mahoney, Northglenn
Building inspections crucial from the ground up
Re: “Construction defects battle returns with competing bills,” Feb. 20 news story
It’s laudable that residential construction defects laws in Colorado are being reexamined. A key element in any legislation should be making sure that dwellings are properly built in the first place.
I spent my entire career in the home-building industry in different regions of the country and found that the number one factor in assuring quality construction is the local community building inspector. We are in an era where workers may do some of the complicated processes of building a home with insufficient training. The general contractor, busy with myriad business responsibilities, may assume that work is being performed correctly when it’s not. Critical foundation, framing, roofing and other issues get covered up by other materials. Hidden defects can emerge years later.
That is why a robust community building inspection protocol, including penalties for repeated inspection failures, is a major factor in assuring homes are built properly.
Most builders strive to deliver a quality product. Being subjected to the financial penalties — and project delays — associated with inspection failures creates an additional financial discipline to ensure things are done correctly. The results are higher quality homes and happier customers with significantly lower warranty claims and litigation.
Jim Shalvoy, Castle Rock
You should love bus lanes
Re: “How will bus rapid transit impact Colfax?” Feb. 16 news story
Who are bus lanes for? People who physically can’t drive? People who can’t afford a car or gas? People who’d rather scroll social media than drive? Diehard car lovers? Well, yes, yes, yes, and, surprisingly, yes. As you drive past a perfectly good lane that you can’t use, it might feel like it’s the cause of all the traffic. But bus lanes get cars off the road, speed up emergency response, and keep people independently participating in society regardless of ability or age.
People don’t take the bus mainly because it’s too slow. By giving critical bus routes a designated lane, more people will consider taking the bus. As the buses fill, the roads will clear up, meaning fast and stress-free driving!
Many worry that bus lanes will make it harder for emergency services to do their job. After all, every second counts. Emergency services are allowed to use bus lanes conveniently devoid of traffic. So, if someone in your family needs emergency medical care, they will receive it faster in a city with bus lanes on major streets.
My grandpa and brother can tell you just how helpful bus lanes would be, as aging eyes and a spinal cord stroke, respectively, ruled out driving as an option.
Everyone — from those who love traffic-free roads to those who can’t or won’t drive — needs continuous bus lanes. East Colfax is a start, but we must continue to support bus lanes until they can take you anywhere.
August Salbenblatt, Denver
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