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Level 1
posted Jun 7, 2019 4:38:08 PM

I filed with Turbo Tax and I got an unexpected refund check from the IRS?

I received a refund check which is way higher than what turbo tax said it was. I shouldn't have gotten a refund check at all.  

I checked my personal transcript for 2017 and the AGI is showing higher by about $10k than what I filed Turbo Tax with.

Whats going on here? Turbo tax error? Identity theft?

I am returning the check but need to know what happened.

0 10 2005
10 Replies
Level 15
Jun 7, 2019 4:38:10 PM

The IRS will be sending you a letter about this. Wait for it.

Level 1
Jun 7, 2019 4:38:11 PM

Its been 3 weeks since I received the check. How long does the letter take? I spoke to 2 IRS reps and they are unable to tell me what is causing the discrepancy, only that it exists.

It says W2 or 1099 withholdings change code 806 on the transcript. I had no change and I did a paper amendment only to change the exemption number and nothing else at all.

Is it possible someone got a hold of the outgoing amendment in the mail and altered it?

Level 15
Jun 7, 2019 4:38:13 PM

Code 806:
Credits the amount of withholding taxes and excess FICA claimed on a Form 1040 return.
The IRS made this change, perhaps due to a data entry error on your part. Did you forget to claim a W-2 for $10,000. maybe? Get a Wage and Income Transcript.

Level 1
Jun 7, 2019 4:38:15 PM

There's no other source of W2 or 1099, I even contacted a previous employer I didn't receive any other income.

The Wage & Income Transcript is also not showing any additional income. So my feeling is someone intercepted my paper amendment I sent to adjust my exemption and filed a fraudulent amendment. I don't understand why I received the check at my house if this was a scheme to pick up the check.

Level 15
Jun 7, 2019 4:38:16 PM

10,000 difference could be a missing decimal point or typed in the wrong place.

Why did you mention amendment?  Do you mail in an amended 1040X return?  

Level 15
Jun 7, 2019 4:38:17 PM

"I had no change and I did a paper amendment only to change the exemption number and nothing else at all."

Level 15
Jun 7, 2019 4:38:19 PM

Oh I missed that.   Changing the number of exemptions on your return can make a big change.

Level 15
Jun 7, 2019 4:38:21 PM

I thought OP meant ACA coverage exemption!

Level 15
Jun 7, 2019 4:38:22 PM

Guess we don’t know.  @pancake1234 what did you amend for?  What exemption number?

Level 1
May 11, 2020 6:14:06 AM

I understand if I don't return the check in 21 days I will penalized and charged interest. How long should I wait for the letter of explanation from the IRS. Has the virus changed the time to reply