Can an unprocessed refund be carried over to next year's filing?

[fpb106]

I know there are still 39 days left in the year, but I am not optimistic that I will be receiving my refund in 2020, as I filed back in mid-March. Is there a way to have an unprocessed 2019 refund credited toward my 2020 tax filing? I am hoping that perhaps I will get my refund faster this way. It's a large amount, and money I desperately need.

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

No.  Prior year federal tax refunds cannot be reported on a current year federal tax return, paid or not paid.

After the tax return has been Accepted by the IRS (meaning only that they received the return) it will be in the Processing mode until the tax refund has been Approved and then an Issue Date will be available on the IRS website.
See this IRS website for federal tax refund FAQ's - https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions
If over 21 days since being Accepted by the IRS and the tax refund is still Processing you can call the IRS and speak with an IRS agent concerning your tax refund.
Call the IRS: 1-800-829-1040 hours 7 AM - 7 PM local time Monday-Friday
When calling the IRS do NOT choose the first option re: "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.
So after first choosing your language, then do NOT choose Option 1 (refund info). Choose option 2 for "personal income tax" instead.
Then press 1 for "form, tax history, or payment".
Then press 3 "for all other questions."
Then press 2 "for all other questions."
- When it asks you to enter your SSN or EIN to access your account information, don't enter anything.
- After it asks twice, you will get another menu.

Press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.
Then press 4 for all other inquiries
It should then transfer you to an agent.
Or you can contact your local IRS office. See this IRS website for local IRS offices - http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-Your-Local-IRS-Office-1 or call 1-844-545-5640 to set up an appointment
Or you may want to contact a Taxpayer Advocate in your area. See this IRS website for Taxpayer Advocate in your area and a toll free number - http://www.irs.gov/Advocate/Local-Taxpayer-Advocate

[Critter-3]

Sorry but once you have filed and the IRS has accepted the return for processing you cannot change the method of receiving the refund and that includes applying it to the next tax year. 

[fpb106]

Thanks. Figured it was worth a try. I contacted the taxpayer advocate through my Congresswoman in April. I've gotten emails in May, June, July, August, September, October and November saying there was no progress to report.