Paid 2018 payment by mistake

[mindywagner]

I owed for 2017 taxes. I made a payment in November 2018 that hasn't been applied. IRS says the payment was applied to estimated 2018 taxes. Now, we are supposed to get a refund for 2018 taxes which I havent filed yet due to this issue. What will happen with that payment and the refund?

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

So have you entered it as a 2018 estimated payment?
You can type estimates paid in the search box at the top of your return and click Find and it will give you a link to Jump To it.

OR
To enter Federal or State Estimated Taxes Paid, including a state estimated payment made in January for the prior year, go to
Federal on left or at top
Deductions and Credits at top
Then scroll way down to Estimates and Other Taxes Paid
Estimated Taxes - click the Start or Update button

Then the IRS will keep any 2018 Refund to pay for 2017 or you can pay 2017 at https://www.irs.gov/payments be sure to pick the right kind of payment and year  this time.
How did you make the payment in November?  Did you pay online or send in a check with a voucher?

[mindywagner]

We were able to just add the estimated taxes we paid. It made for a bigger refund and the IRS will just take what is owed and give us the rest. Thanks so much!

[rncala]

Great — I’m glad it all worked out for you Mindy!

[rncala]

If you mistakenly overpaid your 2018 taxes that over payment will be refunded after you file.

Unfortunately, you will still owe tax for 2017.

For online payments,

IRS.gov > Make a Payment > Direct Pay > Make a Payment > 

Reason: Tax Return or Notice 

Apply Payment To: 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ 

Tax Period for Payment: 2017.