by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - The island's three major shopping centers are jam packed with people waiting in line to pick up their tax refunds. Some have waited since dawn to be the first to pick up their long awaited check. Today's distribution was made possible after lawmakers authorized a $235 million bond. Governor Eddie Baza Calvo was hoping to secure more than that so that all past due tax refunds could be paid; unfortunately the democratic leadership wouldn't authorize more. People can pick up their tax refunds up until five o'clock today at the following locations: Agana Shopping Center (last name starts with A through F), Guam Premier Outlets (last name starts with G – O) and Micronesia Mall (last name starts with P –Z).

When picking up your check you will go through a 3 step process:

1-Valid Photo ID

2-Check Verification

3-Check Distribution

If you are picking up a tax refund check for someone else you must bring the following

1-letter of authorization and copy of photo ID of recipient

2-copy of your photo ID

So far there haven't been any major complaints at any of the major shopping centers at the Agana Shopping Center alone; they're processing 300 people an hour there. If you are unable to pick up your checks today, residents can still pick up their refunds on Saturday at all three locations from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Meanwhile over at the Department of Revenue and Taxation, COLA judgement checks are being distributed up until five o'clock today and between 8:00am to 5:00pm Saturday.

Here's what you need to bring:

a. Government Issued Picture ID (Example: Guam Driver's License, Guam ID, U.S. Passport, Current and Not Expired)

b. If the individual picking up the COLA Check is an Administrator of an Estate, bring Court Documents which name the individual picking up as the Administrator.

If picking up checks for another, the following documents are required:

a. An original of a current signed authorization by COLA Check Owner

b. A copy of the signed authorization (to be submitted to DOA Staff)

c. A copy of a current Government Issued Photo Identification of the COLA Check Owner (to be submitted to DOA Staff)

d. A copy of a Government Issued Photo Identification of the authorized person picking up the COLA check (to be submitted to DOA Staff)

Submit COLA Certificates if possible. Original COLA Certificates submitted will not be returned. Make copies of the COLA Certificate for the owner's files beforehand.

Awardees and Beneficiaries that are not on the check distribution list. Please contact the Government of Guam Retirement Fund to get more details and determine a resolution at 475-8900 or 475-8901. There will not be anyone at the distribution location that will have access to the system and can provide you with information about your specific case.