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Level 2
June 1, 2019
Solved

Paid 2018 payment by mistake

  • June 1, 2019
  • 4 replies
  • 32 views

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?

    Best answer by VolvoGirl
    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?

    4 replies

    VolvoGirl
    VolvoGirlAnswer
    Level 15
    June 1, 2019
    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?

    Level 2
    June 1, 2019
    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!
    Level 3
    June 1, 2019

    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.