Eliminate estimated payments

[Boga415]

We have been making estimated payments for the last couple of years because of the Covid distribution we took. My husband retired at the end of the year (2023) our income will be reduced. We were entitled to a substantial refund for  2023 so we did not intend to continue  making estimated payments. 
Our refund was just direct deposited, but they have   deducted the first estimated payment for 2024 from the refund.

How does one opt out of estimated payments?

[ee-ea]

You opt out by placing the vouchers in a wastebasket.

[Cynthiad66]

If you have automatic payments setup with the IRS, call IRS e-file Payment Services 24/7 at 888-353-4537 to inquire about or cancel your payment, but please wait 7 to 10 days after your return was accepted before calling. Cancellation requests must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. ET two business days prior to the scheduled payment date.

@Boga415

[Boga415]

Thank you. We’ve been using the vouchers. They just took this first payment automatically out of the refund. Can we use that number to change the amount of the estimated payments? 

[JulieS]

Yes, you can call that number to change or cancel your automatic payments. 

[VolvoGirl]

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@Boga415 wrote:

Thank you. We’ve been using the vouchers. They just took this first payment automatically out of the refund. Can we use that number to change the amount of the estimated payments? 

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 I don't think you are set up for automatic payments from the IRS.  Here are some things it could be.

#1  Did you select to apply part of your refund to the 1st estimated payment?  Check 1040 line 36.

#2  The IRS kept part of your refund for something you owed.

#3  Were you having any fees deducted from your refund? 

#4  Could it be for the state refund?   At the end Turbo Tax gives you the combined net amount of federal and state.  

[Boga415]

Thank you so much for your response. The answer to all your questions is no. We actually were entitled to a refund approximately 3K  what we received was the 3K minus the exact amount we paid each quarter( 4 times) for 2023 .

   We did not intend to make estimated  taxes for 2024   

We’re OK with them applying the 1600 to 2024 but we have no proof that that is what happened.

[VolvoGirl]

I think they adjusted your refund for something else.  So you had the 1600 on 1040 line 26?  Do you have proof you made the estimates?  Bank or credit card statements? Maybe they got applied to the wrong person's IRS account.  Maybe you entered them twice?  Is line 26 right?  

You can check your IRS account.  How to view your account at the IRS and see your payment history and payoff amount, etc.

https://www.irs.gov/uac/view-your-tax-account

The IRS will mail you a letter if they adjusted your return.  

[Boga415]

Thank you so much for helping us troubleshoot. This line 26 is correct it shows our four payments of $ 1627 each.( the total ) We have proof of payment.  Refund calculated at $ 2913  but  another $1627 was deducted from it .  Just nit sure how to check bc no way to call them evidently