We did not cash any of our child tax credit payments that we received. I attempted to have the payments stopped; however, was unsuccessful. Now, it appears that we have to pay the entire amount shown on the Letter 6419 must be paid back. Is there anyway to indicate that payments were not cashed and that the checks were voided?
Go to this IRS website for how to return the payments - https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-n-returning-a-payment
I see that I can return the voided checks; however, I am attempting to file my return now and the letter from the IRS shows the amount of the checks that were sent. Even if I return the voided checks tomorrow, won't I cause a problem with filing my return if I show $0 for the credit payment amount? Do I need to extend my return and have the IRS send a new letter or is that even possible?
@adb57 wrote:
I see that I can return the voided checks; however, I am attempting to file my return now and the letter from the IRS shows the amount of the checks that were sent. Even if I return the voided checks tomorrow, won't I cause a problem with filing my return if I show $0 for the credit payment amount? Do I need to extend my return and have the IRS send a new letter or is that even possible?
You can file for an extension which will give you until October 17, 2022 to e-file a 2021 tax return. If you have no taxes owed or a tax refund then you can mail your 2021 tax return at any time on or before October 15, 2025.
If you have taxes owed they have to be paid on or before April 18, 2022 to avoid a failure to pay penalty.
Checking your IRS tax account on a regular basis should show when the advance child tax credit payments are removed from the account - https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account
Then you can file the 2021 tax return and report no advance child tax credit payments received.