Unexpected State Refund

[Steerpike58]

I used TT to file my taxes, as usual.  I significantly under-withheld, and had a balance due of approx. $6,000 with my return.  Turbo Tax calculated that I owed a penalty of $291, which was included in the amount due.  

About 2 weeks after filing the return, I received a check from the State for $291, without any explanation - just a check.  

Since the numbers match, I'd say this was obviously a refund of the penalty.  But why did TT calculate that I owed a penalty when the State effectively rejected it? 

[nettynoo]

I had a similar issue and posted the same question basically. I owed $260+, paid it, then received a refund for the same amount with no explanation. There's no way I'm depositing it as I'm guessing it's a mistake. 

[DoninGA]

The state should be mailing you a letter in the next few weeks explaining why they refunded the amount that you received.

[Steerpike58]

I've received 'corrections' to my tax submissions before, but in the past, they've always been accompanied by an explanatory letter. 

[Steerpike58]

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@nettynoo wrote:

I had a similar issue and posted the same question basically. I owed $260+, paid it, then received a refund for the same amount with no explanation. There's no way I'm depositing it as I'm guessing it's a mistake. 

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What's the worst that can happen? You get a letter in the future saying 'oopsie, we made a mistake' and you have to write a check back to them.  Even if you don't deposit it, I suspect if they made a mistake they'll ask you to write them a check (they would assume you've deposited it already).   Anyway, make sure there's no expiration date on the check;  if you wait 6 months and don't hear from them, the check might expire!