I owed $194 on my Federal Income Tax Filing, but the IRS sent me a check for that amount instead. Do I cash the check? They didn't accept my payment when I tried in April

[parrga11]

I tried to pay the IRS but the payment never showed up in my checking account, and I just confused why the IRS would send me the exact amount I owe them? And I don't want to get in trouble for cashing a check that I wasn't expecting.

[leeloo]

The first thing to do is to read the line number on the 1040 where you see the $194. Is it on Line 35 or Line 37? Next, the assumption would be that the IRS found an error in your favor and is refunding you that amount. I was about to say that I've never heard anyone say that they were incorrectly overpaid, but then why would they tell anybody?

[Critter-3]

Are you SURE you did not have a refund on the return ? 

[VolvoGirl]

Or somehow you paid twice.  Check your bank and credit card statements.  

[parrga11]

Thanks for the reply. It is listed on line 37. An error and a refund would make sense if they took my money in the first place, but my checking account doesn't show any payments to the IRS. Nor was I ever notified that they found an error or amended my return.

[parrga11]

I'm as sure as I trust the TurboTax software?

[VolvoGirl]

Guess you will have to ask the IRS.  They should send you a letter saying why.  The only other thing I can think of is.......did you have an amount on line 38 for a penalty?  You may have gotten that back.