Filed TY24 family mbr simple return. Direct deposit refund took longer than usual. Refund posted was $5.23 higher than the refund calculated by TT. No IRS expl letter?

[Ken127]

The IRS direct deposit was $5.23 more than the refund calculated in the simple TT return. No explanation or letter from the IRS has been received. How can I find out where the IRS changed the return?

[DoninGA]

Probably an interest payment for the late tax refund.

[VolvoGirl]

Assuming it is interest, be sure to write it down on a big note. (just print out this reply)  It will be taxable interest on their 2025 return next year.  To enter it next year.......

Enter interest from the IRS like a 1099Int and put the amount in box 1. Enter it manually and just enter IRS for the payer. Don't enter any other info like the address or a EIN. On the Let Us Enter Your 1099 page go down to the bottom and pick Enter a different way

Federal
Wages & Income
Interest and Dividends
Interest on 1099INT - Click the Start or Update button

[Ken127]

TT desktop transmitted and accepted, 3/26/2025.  TT calculated refund of $2726.

Refund direct deposited, $2731.23, 4/28/2025.   Never saw interest paid out in a situation like this before.   

[VolvoGirl]

Another thing to check (but probably doesn't apply) but do you have an amount  on 1040 line 38 for a penalty?  That is subtracted from your refund.  I had a refund once and still got a penalty.  So the IRS may have reduced a penalty.  

[Ken127]

Appreciate the replies. 

Line 38 is blank, no penalty.  

[Ken127]

Financial institutions do not report interest less than $10 to taxpayers. 

If this $5.23 is interest from the IRS, it should be reported?

I'm mostly interested in where the IRS changed the tax return, if that actually happened.  

If the IRS changed the return, and the AGI changed, it may impact whether I can efile next year's TY25 return.  

[VolvoGirl]

Yes you need to report it.  Especially interest from the IRS.  They know they sent it to you.   And you must report all your income.   Even $1.00 of bank interest you don't get a 1099 for.  

And if the IRS changed your tax return and AGI you still enter the AGI from your original 1040 return next year to efile.