Kansas judge: Use tax refunds to pay court fines

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - A judge in Topeka has a suggestion for taxpayers wondering how to spend their refunds: Pay off your fines in Municipal Court.

The Capital-Journal reports nearly 7,700 of the city's Municipal Court cases are in collection. The Collection Bureau of Kansas is under contract with the city to pursue payment on those cases.

Municipal Court Judge Vic Miller says many people with unpaid fines are surprised to learn their balances have grown because of interest and the addition of fees for collections.

Miller says people without outstanding balances should contact the court and arrange for payment. He says using a tax refund to reduce or eliminate fines is a good way to start the year, especially if the debt is preventing reinstatement of a driver's license.