Hello! I paid my first estimated tax payment due in April 2021 for 2022 taxes and it was refunded to me by the IRS. Does anyone know why? Thanks! Ann

[fanfare]

If IRS sent your money back,

you probably did not follow the Instructions for Form 1040-ES Estimated Tax Payments.

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

I assume you meant April 2022?  How did you pay it?  If you paid online you might have selected the wrong year (2021) or said to apply it to your 2021 1040 tax return.  Or you used the wrong slip to mail it in.  It should be a 2022 1040ES.  Not the 1040V.

On this screen but year would be 2022

[asnell27519]

That's probably it.  I mailed a check and likely used the wrong slip.  Thanks, Ann

[Mike9241]

if you use the USPS you probably should use a tracking method so you know the IRS/state got the payment. The USPS has been known to lose mail. that includes tax payments and returns.   then you are on the hook for late filing/payment penalties and interest. you can pay the IRS electronically through its website and your state, if you have a state income tax, probably can be paid electronically as well.

those websites allow you to specify the date the money is to come out and you can print a receipt with tracking info should there be an issue. I never have had one and the money always comes out on the timely date I specified (not Saturday or Sunday).

https://www.irs.gov/payments