NC revenue officials require proof of big families

RALEIGH -- Thousands of North Carolina families that claimed five or more children on their income tax returns are being told to provide proof. The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Thursday that letters have been sent to about 6,700 families claiming a large number of dependents. The letters say families need to verify the family size before refund checks will be mailed. The Revenue Department's Linda Millsaps says the agency is responsible for verifying dependents. In the past the agency has audited questionable returns after refunds were sent. This year, some $2.6 million in refunds were stopped. Taxpayers say they have had to find birth certificates and Social Security cards for their children. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)