filed electronically but IRS still owes me LOTS of refund from 2020

[IRS_did_not_send_refund]

Filed 2020 return electronically and was accepted by IRS back in Sept 2021.  Got an IRS notice that they were withholding a $117 amount to pay a debt we had already paid.  They then refunded our excess withholding above the $117 debt, but DIDN'T refund the $15K estimated balance due I sent in with my extension request (via mail) on the assumption the PPP was still going to be taxable income for the 2020 year.  The $15k 2020 estimated balance due check has cleared my bank account and I have a copy of the cancelled check which does have the IRS endorsement on the back with a SSN.  

Now I can't get ahold of a person at the IRS / can't get a person to answer the phones to schedule an appointment at my local IRS office.  Online used to say the tax return was being processed.  Now it just appears that all is final and I've entered in erroneous search information.   So its like they closed my case and I'm out $15k of the refund I was due.    

I sent them a certified letter in January this year and did receive the Green Post Card back showing it was signed for.  

I'm going to owe a huge sum of taxes this year - do I dare file an amended return and then apply the $15k refund to 2021 taxes - since they were never refunded?  

[JillS56]

If the IRS has closed your 2020 tax year as being completed, then you probably need to file an amendment for 2020.   IRS does allow you to e-file an amended return.  You could amend your return, carry forward to 2021 the $15,000.  Prepare but hold off filing your 2021 until you get close to the deadline. or you see that your 2020 amendment was processed.  If necessary, you could even file an extension showing on the extension the amount of the $15,000 and pay any additional tax over the $15,000.  

[Critter-3]

You can amend the 2020  return to report the extension payment that was not reported on the original 2020 return ( calling the IRS will not work) but you cannot efile it thru TT ... it has to be mailed in at this late date.  Expect the IRS to take 6 months or longer to process that return so if you do choose to apply the refund to the 2021 return then put he 2021 return on extension and make a payment if needed with the extension that reflects the 2020 applied amount.  

[Mike9241]

first, continue to try to contact the IRS. keep trying.  there is no guarantee that the iRS will honor the amended return and apply the $15K to it.  then you will get hit with penalties and interest.  something went wrong 

online now only covers 2021 returns.

you might want to get a transcript of your a/c for 2021 to see if the IRS put your extension payment there.

did you put the extension payment on your 2020 it should be on schedule 3 line 9 which transfer to 1040 line 31

this may be  a case for the IRS Tax Advocate office

https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/get-help/issues-errors/incorrect-tax-return/ 

look under I still need help.