Received a refund for 18 that doesn't make sense. No letter from IRS. How do I find out what it is for?

[parkerjm603]

18 taxes included gain on sale of rental in Nov 18.  Requested waiver of penalty, and only paid tax.  Don't understand why a refund was sent in September 19..

[Critter]

Only the IRS can tell you why ... contact them ... 

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.
Then press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.
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

[VolvoGirl]

If you filed early and had Schedule D for investments or sales in your return the IRS had an update and has been sending refunds or tax due bills.

IRS info on Schedule D changes (after May 15, 2019)

https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/error-in-tax-calculation-in-schedule-d-tax-worksheet-form-1040 

Or your return had an estimated underpayment penalty on line 23 the IRS refunded.

Couple other ideas,

Did you enter any 1099R?  If 1040 line 4a is a lot less than 4b (which should be ok) the IRS has been lowering the taxable amount on 4b and refunding you.  But then they will eventually want it back.

Did you make estimated payments and forget to enter them?

If you made estimated payments see if they are on line 17.  Sometimes they end up line 16 with witholding.  If that is the case the IRS will eventually see line 16 is wrong and ask for it back.