Getting a refund of overpaid taxes

[heavykev1]

I think I overpaid on my 2018 taxes. I had filed and then realized I had missed accounting for a 20k payment for managing an estate of a deceased relative. Refiled and paid the extra tax and penalty. Then I got a letter later saying I owed money, so I paid it (again). I meant to settle the dispute but it got away from me., or I thought they'd catch it on their own. Never did.  Is it too late to get a refund if  I can find my paperwork? 

Thanks

[xmasbaby0]

Yes--you are too late to amend a 2018 tax return to get a better refund.  Sorry.

[Opus 17]

Well, there's two possible issues, and your question is not entirely clear.  If you paid the correct tax as shown on your return, then it is too late to amend, even if the return was wrong.

However, if you paid the same bill twice, that should not have happened.  The IRS should have applied your second payment toward the next year, or refunded it to you.   But, it might still be too late to prove the case and get the money back.  Start by getting your tax return and account transcripts and your payment history from 2018 forward.  See if the tax paid matches the returns that were filed, and see if all your payments are properly accounted for.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

[marctu]

Well first I would request an account transcript for tax year 2018.  Go here: Get your tax record 

There are a few things going on here.  2018 is well beyond the three year statute of limitations. It is the later of:

• 3 years from the date you filed your federal income tax return, or
• 2 years from the date you paid the tax.

The IRS though most of the time would have sent the money plus interest if you paid twice, which is why I think you should check the account transcript first.

Thanks again for the question  @heavykev1 

All the best,

Marc 

Employee Tax Expert