Yes, what you want to do makes a lot of sense. It is just that the IRS will do what you requested. If when you filed your 2017 tax return, you checked that you want to apply the refund to 2018 that is exactly what the IRS will do with the refund. You might want to call the IRS and request that the money be moved to your 2017 tax account year, however, if there is currently no balance due for your 2017 account year (if you have not filed your 2017 amended return yet), they may not be able to move it to a zero balance year. Please call the IRS 1-800-829-1040.
