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Level 2
posted May 31, 2019 5:41:11 PM

If the IRS cashed my payment check but says they did not receive the check, how should I proceed to correct the IRS' error?

We sent the IRS the amount owed for 2015 and they cashed the check but now sent a notice indicating they did not receive the check.  I have a copy of the cancelled check but their notification letter provides no guidance as to how to correct their error.  How can this be corrected?

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23 Replies
Level 15
May 31, 2019 5:41:11 PM

Simply respond to the letter with a note saying you disagree and attach a copy of the proof of payment. 

Level 15
May 31, 2019 5:41:14 PM

Send a copy of the front and back of the check plus I would send a copy of your bank statement showing the payment coming out of your account.

Level 1
Aug 8, 2020 3:46:38 PM

Just happened to us now.  Just got the letter.  Have to call on Monday.  Anyone else still having these issues?

Level 15
Aug 8, 2020 5:50:24 PM

This usually happens when you send a check without the voucher and/or you fail to write in the memo section your SS# and why the payment is being sent like "2015 form 1040".   Call the number on the notice and have proof of payment in your hand and be prepared to fax them if they allow it ... or mail them if they do not. 

Level 15
Aug 8, 2020 6:19:55 PM

Or you sent in the check with the wrong voucher.  It should be a 1040V for the current tax due.  A 1040ES is an estimated payment for NEXT year.

Level 1
Aug 9, 2020 1:26:53 PM

Interesting. I sent the 1040V with the check. Memo however was “2019 Payment Taxes”

Level 15
Aug 9, 2020 3:27:10 PM

Well since the payment had to be entered by humans and humans make errors just call the number on the notice to get it worked out ... then in the future pay the IRS directly online here and skip the post office and the data input operator ...  https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay

New Member
Aug 16, 2020 9:40:41 PM

I have the same situation, and don't see the point of calling the IRS. Last year, the average wait time when calling was 3 hours.  Why not just mail the front and back of the cashed check, along with the original Certified Mail receipt?

New Member
Aug 16, 2020 9:49:50 PM

I have the same situation. I did not indicate my social security on the front of the check. However, once the check was cashed by the IRS, it is on the back of the check. Why is the IRS issuing the letter, when they must have record of cashing the check for my social security number.

Not applicable
Aug 16, 2020 10:25:43 PM

have a copy of the check front and back available.   call the number on the notice.  the IRS should be able to track the payment based on the info it stamps on the check.  They may request you send in a copy  - send front and back.  if so, get an address - it may be different than the address on the notice.  use a method where you get proof of delivery. do ASAP since the IRS generally only gives 60 days to respond. 

Level 15
Aug 17, 2020 4:38:52 AM

According to the bill you got there should be instructions on how to refute the bill ... if you don't want to call the mail back a simple response and attach the proof of payment  and don't panic ... this is a common situation. 

New Member
Aug 20, 2020 4:04:13 PM

Just got a letter today yet they cashed the check weeks ago, I guess direct deposit is in my future!

Level 2
Feb 16, 2021 3:45:07 PM

I did not get any notice from the IRS but they just cashed a check from 8 months ago I sent for a tax extension. In the meantime I had wired them payment (because they told me they needed the money or I could get a penalty, even though it was their fault it was taking so long to cash my check). So I put a stop payment on the check and then 8 months later the IRS cashes the check (stop payments only last 6 months). What's worse is that they don't have any record of this payment!? I am freaking out... how can they cash my check without having any record of it? The check had my SSN on it. Are there any tips on who to call and what to do? I have called the main number for hours and nobody has a solution. Please help!

Intuit Alumni
Feb 16, 2021 4:22:08 PM

You can contact the IRS by following the instructions here

 

It would also be a good idea to get a front and back copy of the check from your bank, as they may require you to mail in proof of the cashed check. 

New Member
Jun 30, 2021 7:42:42 AM

Hello.

Look at the endorsement stamp on the cancelled check.

Whoever posted my father's payment transposed ss# and payment was posted to wrong account.

The ss# is at the end of the first row.

The bank noticed this error. Not the IRS.

Hasnt been fixed yet but at least we know what happened.

Good luck.

New Member
May 15, 2022 5:48:22 AM

I made my payments online using their website, it was deducted from my checking account saying IRS.  THEN, they add our balance due to my account.   The payments are sitting there in the SAME account, but not applied to our balance.  When I paid these payments, I chose the selection that said applied toward 2021 taxes.  REALLY?!  Do they think I made donations to the government?!  I sat on hold for over an hour while driving to a customer's house and could not wait any longer.  I'm on the road all week.  I guess I have to send a letter.  This is ridiculous and even more stupid that on the phone they keep calling us customers.  We are NOT customers.  We are citizens and therefore their BOSSES! This is not a way to treat your boss.

Level 15
May 15, 2022 5:53:41 AM

OK ... first the IRS is underfunded and understaffed so only 7% (or less)  of the calls ever get answered. 

 

Now did you get a balance due letter from them ?   If so simply mail back proof of payment with the notice with a short, polite note stating the payment had already been made.   

 

If you have not yet gotten a notice then just hang in their.  Returns with balance dues on them are on the very back burner  while they process returns with refunds on them first.  Eventually they will process your return and the payment should  be accounted for automatically.  

Level 15
May 15, 2022 7:27:42 AM

Going forward, consider paying any taxes due directly on the IRS website.

Level 2
Jul 20, 2022 2:06:47 PM

I see the same issue I am currently dealing with for my 2021 tax payment. I paid on their website and the amount I paid I can see the history of the payment as well as it was taken from my bank and I still have the confirmation email . My tax person was going to reach out to them for me a month ago with a form to help me clear this up but she is on vac and cant not follow up with her. I have tried calling no luck. I see its suggested to send a  letter response  I got a month ago  from their letter   saying I owed with my proof. Is there anything else suggested to send them and where would I send it? I can see my IRS balance has gone up 3 more dollars from interest but would like to handle this asap. I paid it in Feb of 2022 for 2021 taxes and had no clue I had a balance until I got the letter . Also we file jointly so would I need to include his information. Any help is appreciated 

Level 15
Jul 20, 2022 2:24:05 PM

A thought I have for the last 2 posters is maybe the IRS adjusted your return and you now owe more (even for the same amount).    

Level 2
Jul 20, 2022 5:14:31 PM

I will ask my tax person that but I could of swore I did ask that about being additional and the way the letter was written was like unpaid balance I hadnt paid yet. Tried faxing my local tax office to make an appointment as suggested and even the fax lines are busy. In regards to responding with a letter and my proof I paid would anyone know where to send it? 

Level 15
Jul 21, 2022 4:48:56 AM

On the notice there is an address where you are supposed to mail a payment ... use that to refute the bill. 

Level 2
Jul 21, 2022 9:23:23 AM

Thank you for your help