Unemployment Exclusion

[Dean4967]

I filed a 2020 Federal Tax Return on March 1, 2021, before the the software was updated to include the unemployment exclusion. The refund on the original return was $117, which has already been dispersed.  Now the update has been applied and the original return has been changed in the system and the refund due is now $817.  However I cannot file an amended return because Turbo Tax changed the original return after it had been filed.  The state return has not been filed so I can just correct it and file it. But I need to correct the federal return first and I'm not sure how to do that.  Please respond.

[LenaH · Accepted solution]

Per the IRS, you should not amend your return for an adjustment for unemployment. An adjustment will be calculated and your refund will be issued to you automatically. The IRS will start to send out additional refunds in May and continue throughout the summer. There is no further action for you to take at this time. 

IRS to recalculate taxes on unemployment benefits; refunds to start in May

[Tom1936]

I efiled my return in February but have not yet paid the taxes due.  The federal difference is over $2000.  Is there any way I can pay the new due amount before May 17th?

[ThomasM125]

@Tom1936 you can use this link to make a payment on your federal tax due to the IRS:

https://www.irs.gov/payments

[MITaxQuestion]

The IRS claims they will automatically process the extra refund due.  However, it has been over a year and no such refund has been received.    Also, my return is simple with only the unemployment exclusion applying.

Should I still wait or amend the return?

Thank you

[LeonardS]

You should check the status of your refund before filing an amended return.

You can check the status of your tax refund by:

1. Calling the IRS TeleTax System at 800-829-4477 or the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954.
2. Or go to www.irs.gov:
   1. Choose Where’s My Refund?
   2. Enter identifying info to get your federal e-file status.

You will need to answer these questions to check on your refund.

1. Social Security number (SSN) or another taxpayer identification number
2. Filing status
3. The exact amount of the refund shown on the return