Rick Karlin is reporting at Capitol Confidential the state Department of Taxation and Finance has halted 239,000 suspicious tax refunds during the current tax season. The department said this has resulted in an estimated $400 million in savings, an increase of 18 percent over the same period last year. The increase is largely attributable to the use of evolving software. The state's business analytics program uses predictive analysis and rules to determine when to process a refund request and when to set it aside for further review. When criminal activity is expected, the Tax Department investigates the case and, if appropriate, refers the matter to criminal prosecutors. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential.