IRS Changed my Refund

[snuss72]

How do I find out exactly what was wrong with my return and why my refund was so reduced when the reasons they stated did not seem to be accurate.

[xmasbaby0]

TurboTax does not get any information from the IRS after you file your tax return, so no one at TT knows why your refund was less.

You have not mentioned any specific amounts.  Sometimes we can make an educated guess as to the reason for your reduced refund if you mention specific amounts--for example if your refund was short by $1400---it is likely to be a mix up regarding the 3rd EIP payment.   If it is short by $1800 or  $1500 or  a multiple of that amount  ---   maybe a mixup regarding the advance child tax credit payments.   Or---the fees you were supposed to pay for using TurboTax + the "refund processing fee" charged by the third party bank….

Did you choose to have TT fees deducted from your Federal refund?  (Remember that if you did that, you also agreed to an extra refund processing fee of $39.99 or $44.99 in CA)

How can I see my TurboTax  fees?   

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2565973-how-do-i-review-my-fees-in-turbotax-online

What is Refund Processing Service?

The IRS will send you a letter that explains why your refund was reduced.   Meanwhile it might help you to check your online IRS account.

https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account

https://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/tax-refunds/why-is-my-tax-refund-not-what-i-expected-49240/

[snuss72]

The IRS said there was an issue with one of the following: my childs ssn, my childs last name, exceeds the age limit (12), or my income exceeded the amount. I don't believe any of the following is true. Refund reduced from 3400 to 600. Cant get through to the IRS line, too busy. 

[fanfare]

The problem with the IRS letter is it is confusing and only lists possible reasons for an adjustment.

Not the actual reason in your situation.

[xmasbaby0]

@snuss72 So the amount they reduced it by was $2800----as in the stimulus amount for two people--- 2 x $1400 per person?   Did you receive the $1400 per person stimulus checks last year and then incorrectly say on your tax return that you did not receive it?   Did you have $2800 on line 30 of your Form 1040?

LOTS of people have made mistakes this year with the recovery rebate credit by "forgetting" that they received the $1400 per person stimulus checks last year.  They answered no to the questions for the  recovery recovery rebate credit and put the $1400 per person on line 30 of their returns.  But you cannot get it twice, so the IRS removes it when it is there by mistake.

Try checking your online account with the IRS

https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account

Does the IRS show that you received a $1400  per person stimulus or EIP check in 2021?   Did you receive it?   When you were asked on your tax return did you say no?   Was there $2800 on line 30 of your tax return?

If the IRS says you got $1400  per person last year but you did not receive it you can have it traced.

LOST THIRD STIMULUS CHECK

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/questions-and-answers-about-the-third-round-economic-impact-payment-top...

If you need to trace a payment that the IRS says has been issued to you, mail or fax a completed IRS Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund.

[snuss72]

Yes it says 2800 on line 30, was that my error? Thanks for helping me understand. 

[xmasbaby0]

@snuss72 If you had already received a $2800 stimulus payment last year and you had $2800 on line 30--yes, that is your own error and it is the reason the IRS has to reduce your refund.  You cannot get the 3rd stimulus amount twice.

[poppopup7]

why would you put 2800 on line 30 ?????