MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -
It's the IRS' word against a local business owner and it has to do with money you may be owed.
Years ago you may have paid a federal tax on your phone bill that was later repealed.
While the government is offering refunds, one local businesswoman promises she can get you a large refund that might not be completely accurate.
You might have seen a sign written on windows along Madison Avenue.
It says you could be eligible for hundreds of dollars from the U.S. government for long distance phone taxes paid more than six years ago.
"I hope as many people that can qualify will get over here and do it," says Sherrie Delrivero.
Delrivero wrote it and owns a Hispanic community center where she also helps people prepare their taxes.
She claims her clients are qualifying for hundreds of dollars in refunds.
"It's money the public is owed."
While the IRS is reimbursing tax payers who haven't already applied for the telephone excise tax refund, officials say it's unlikely they'll get that much money.
"If you had several telephones during the time in question, that might be the case. But you've got to produce those records," says Dan Boone with the IRS.
IRS officials say most people get refunds of between $30 and $60.
"I have not seen one person only get that amount," says Delrivero.
Delrivero promises up to $400!
IRS officials say without seeing her preparation process, it's hard to tell how her clients qualify.
If refund applications aren't prepared properly, it could raise a red flag.
"Any document that you're filing with the IRS, remember you're signing under penalties of perjury so make sure you are doing it correctly and accurately," adds Boone.
Delrivero says she's not trying to fool anybody.
"Just trying to help people really."
She says she's had hundreds of applications and thousands of people calling her.
She charges up to $35-dollars to help people apply for the tax refund. None of her customers have received their checks.
Most people already applied for and received this refund back in 2006.
If you think you're still owed the money, the IRS is accepting applications until July 27th.
In order to receive more than the standard $30 to $60-dollar refund, officials say you'll have to produce your old phone records.
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