I have to amend my 2017 and 2018 taxes before I can finish 2019. I expect to get refunds for 2017 and 2018. Can I carry those refunds forward to pay my taxes in 2019

[aelaina]

In 2019 I know I will be owing. But do I have to wait?

[CarissaM]

No, you cannot apply the 2017 and 2018 towards the 2019 taxes owed. 

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

No, you cannot use those refunds to pay the 2019 tax due.  It takes about four months for the IRS to process an amended return.  If you are getting a refund they mail you a check. And your 2019 tax due is supposed to be paid by April 15, 2020.  Even if you get an extension for 2019, it only gives you an extension to file--estimated 2019 tax due is required to be paid by April 15, 2020.

[aelaina]

Thanks both of you for the answer. I thought I'd seen that when you have a refund you can choose to apply it towards the next year's taxes. But I figured it wouldn't apply for amended returns. I think I'm going to have to pay a penalty for not paying quite enough tax in 2019, and that would have made the difference.

Thank you for the quick response!