I accidentally paid my state estimated quarterly taxes to the federal website all year. Now I owe the state plus late fee. Any way to clear this mistake up?

[kristenlnorman]

I signed up to pay my estimated quarterly taxes through the federal website. This was the first year I had to do this and I misunderstood where to make the payments for my state taxes. I paid all four quarters estimated state taxes through the federal site rather than the state site. Now the state is asking for the quarterly estimates and a late fee. Is there any way to clear this up or have those payments I did make go towards what the state is asking for? Otherwise, I’m not sure what those payments count towards. 

Thank you.

[KittyM]

The IRS will consider those payments as payments towards your 2017 Federal tax, and will most likely refund the excess (if any) to you.  (Be certain to claim the state estimated payments you made to the IRS by accident, if you have not already filed.)  If for some reason they are not refunded, please contact the IRS and request a refund of the overpaid amount.

I recommend that you call your state and explain what happened - some states will give you a one-time penalty forgiveness in a case such as this.  You will probably still have to pay the interest, however, if any.