Gov. Pillen Highlights Department of Revenue Tax Return Improvements

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is highlighting system changes made by the Nebraska Department of Revenue (NDOR) to speed up refund timeframes for tax returns by applying new system automations, testing initiatives, and process improvements.
 
“We’re running government like a business – and that means constantly evaluating how we can improve processes to save taxpayer money while bettering services,” said Gov. Pillen. “The Department of Revenue has made major improvements that are allowing tax returns to be processed faster, which means money is getting back to Nebraska families quicker.”
 
“The Department of Revenue is processing tax returns for Nebraskans faster than ever,” said Nebraska Tax Commissioner Jim Kamm. “So far this tax season the Department has processed 40,000 more returns than we had at this time last year. The Department is processing these filings more efficiently and with a higher accuracy rate. Nebraska families are getting tax refunds sooner, and the Department has seen a material reduction in call volume, improving taxpayer experience.”
 
Regarding call volume, Kamm noted that these improvements have led to a noticeable reduction in calls to DOR’s Taxpayer Assistance Center regarding the status of refunds, resulting in about 3% fewer calls than last year through March. Commissioner Kamm continued, “The Department has also had success in improving its debt collection processes. The Collections Team has recovered $14.2 million more from October 2025 through March 2026 when compared with the same period a year ago, a 58% increase.”

Increased collections have not translated into increased costs. On the contrary, the Department of Revenue was able to close an office. The operating cost savings are projected to be about $490K annually.  
 
“This is what a business-minded approach to government can do,” Governor Pillen concluded. “System improvements are creating results that increase quality while also lowering the cost of government and providing more timely refunds to taxpayers.”