Why is it that TurboTax said I was getting an estimated refund of 2,870 dollars but the IRS is saying I owe them 500 something odd dollars?

[SweetieJean]

The IRS will be sending you a letter; they do not advise TT.

But did you claim estimated tax payments that you failed to make, or perhaps make a data entry error of some type?

[destinyfaith97]

I received a reference number 9024. I googled the number and it said a math error. I want to know how made the math error? I entered all my info accurately into TurboTax.

[SweetieJean]

a "math error" can result from data entry mistakes or forgetting to claim some income.  Or perhaps the IRS disallowed a deduction or credit.  Please post back when you get the letter.

[SweetieJean]

See "21.5.4.3 (10-01-2018)  What is a Math Error?" here:
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/irm/part21/irm_21-005-004r">https://www.irs.gov/irm/part21/irm_21-005-004r</a>

[destinyfaith97]

I will post back when I get the letter. I did my tax return twice. I got to the end right before you file and start over (I do this every year). I got the same amount both times from TurboTax.

[Critter]

Check your payments ... did you owe last year and did not make the estimated payments the program suggested ?   And then did you transfer over the prior year info but did not adjust the amount ?  This is the most common "math" error.

[VolvoGirl]

I would check over your return and see if you can see anything wrong especially in the payments section 1040 Schedule 5.  Make sure you agree with all the amounts listed.   Like is the difference the same or close to the refund you got last year?  Maybe you put down that you applied last year's refund to this year?  Or you put down you made a payment with an extension or paid an estimated payment that you didn't make?

A common error is showing an estimated payment 1040 schedule 5 line 66 you didn't make or payment with an extension (line 71) you didn't send in.  Sometimes people start an extension form on purpose or accidentally and an amount gets entered for a tax due to send in with the extension.

Or you claimed Excess Social Security paid on line 72.  That happens when you are married and enter both spouse's W2s under the same name.

Or if you got any 1099Misc forms you didn't report it as self employment income on Schedule Cand pay the SE tax on it.  It  might have showed up on 1040 Schedule 1 line 21 for Other Income instead of line 12 business income.

Or the IRS changed your income.  A common thing they change is the taxable amount of any 1099R for pension, 401K or IRA distributions or conversions on 1040 line 4b.   And if you get Social Security and they increase some income it will make more of your SS taxable.