Refund 2020 taxes not received yet?

[GregHun]

Dear TT,

I got an extension on my personal taxes and paid a large sum earlier in the year by April 15, 2021, for my 2020 taxes. But when I filed in Oct 2021, it runed out I owed a lot less (one third less) but have not received the difference back and could really use it. If I owe this year, do I just pay the difference?

Thanks,
Greg

[MaryK4]

No, unfortunately. if the IRS has not processed your 2020 return yet, you cannot easily apply the amount to this year's tax liability.  This is because the IRS has each tax year account isolated.  You may be able to call the IRS 1-800-829-1040 and ask them to check the account for 2020 and explain the situation to see if they can help.  NOTE: The IRS phone line is busy at best especially this time of year.  The phone lines open at 7am local time and if you can call right at 7am you have the best shot of reaching them.

[GregHun]

I been checking via a phone app called IRS2Go and they ask personal questions and 2020 tax amount and all it's been saying for months is no refund yet. But I wonder if they'll provide any more info than what the app is providing? Are they that behind in processing? 

[JulieS]

Yes, they are that far behind in processing.

It is hard to say how easy it will be to get through on the phone and how helpful they will be if you reach them. They do have access to more information than what you can get form the app.