7 On Your Side helps single dad get overdue tax refund

NEW YORK (WABC) -- After waiting eight months for his tax refund, single father Roberto Sanchez started to run into trouble when he and his kids, Destenie and Nathaniel, moved into their new Montague, New York house last summer.

But without their much-needed tax refund for the move and suddenly facing eviction, Sanchez knew it was time to call Nina Pineda and 7 On Your Side.

"How much are you owed right now," Pineda asked.

"$6,983," Sanchez said.

He was counting on the refund, owed to him for 2024 withholding and the earned income tax credit for two dependents, to put down as a security deposit on their new home. When the check never arrived, he contacted the IRS.

"They said 'oh, well, your employer has not sent the notification of employment,'" he said.

Yet, Sanchez had proof of each time he sent his wage verification to the IRS.

"I had gave them everything they need, and they're still saying it showing zero," he said.

It got worse. He lost his job when the gardening business where he worked closed. Sanchez then suffered a stroke over Thanksgiving that landed him in the hospital; past due bills were piling up.

"So, the water bill is overdue, electrical is $600 for a month that's not paid, and the security deposit she's waiting on," Pineda said while going through a stack of bills.

Facing eviction, Sanchez took his daughter Destenie's advice.

"You know, my daughter came up with the idea, 'Call the lady that's always helping people,''' he said.

"Even if you didn't answer, it was still worth a try," his daughter said.

ABC 7 contacted the IRS in New York, and they told us to contact headquarters in D.C. The agency told Eyewitness News they couldn't discuss individual taxpayer information, but we explained the family was about to be homeless. For some calls, the IRS press agent would just hang up the phone.

Next, 7 On Your Side contacted the U.S. Treasury which discovered the Department of Education had an old student garnishment against Sanchez, which was offsetting his refund. It took another two months of coordinating between the IRS, the U.S. Treasury, and the Department of Education.

Finally, after explaining the family hardship, the refund was released.

In fact, 7 On Your Side broke the news to Sanchez while he was at the unemployment office trying to find a new job.

"We just got this email: 'Mr. Sanchez is going to receive approximately $8,100 from the U.S. treasury,'" Pineda said.

Sanchez was thankful to know his refund was on its way.

"You see my tears, I'm elated," he said.

----------
SHARE YOUR STORY

Do you have an issue with a company that you haven't been able to resolve? If so, 7 On Your Side wants to help you!

Fill out the form below or email your questions, issues, or story ideas by filling out the form below or by emailing 7OnYourSideNina@abc.com. All emails MUST INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND CELLPHONE NUMBER. Without a phone number, 7 On Your Side will not be able to respond.