I understand an individual has 3 years to claim an IRS tax refund from the previous year. After 3 years the refund expires and can no longer claim the refund. Question: After 3 years can the individual apply the refund to future returns for tax owed to the IRS?
No, you cannot use the refund for future taxed owed.
In most cases, an original return claiming a refund must be filed within three years of its due date for the IRS to issue a refund.
Generally, after the three-year window closes, the IRS can neither send a refund for the specific tax year, nor apply any credits, including overpayments of estimated or withholding taxes, to other tax years that are underpaid.
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