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How do I apply my refund to back taxes owed?

I owe taxes for previous years, how can I apply this refund?
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2 Replies

How do I apply my refund to back taxes owed?

You do not have to enter anything about that since it will happen automatically.   The IRS knows if you owe federal tax from past years.   If you are getting a refund this year, the IRS will seize the refund and use it to pay toward the back taxes owed.   They will send you a letter a few weeks later.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
SabrinaD2
Expert Alumni

How do I apply my refund to back taxes owed?

To apply your current year refund to back taxes (prior year) owed using TurboTax, follow these steps:

  1. Open TurboTax: Sign in to your TurboTax account and open your current tax return.
  2. Navigate to Federal Taxes: Go to the "Federal Taxes" section.
  3. Other Tax Situations: Click on "Other Tax Situations."
  4. Additional Tax Payments: Under "Additional Tax Payments," find the option "Apply Refund to Next Year" and click the "Start" or "Update" button.
  5. Enter Amount: Enter the amount of your refund you want to apply to your back taxes. This amount will be shown on Form 1040, Line

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