Skip to main content
Level 2
March 2, 2022
Solved

Underpayment Penalty

  • March 2, 2022
  • 2 replies
  • 14 views

Am I facing an underpayment penalty if my tax this year is $1,285 but I received a refund of $1,918 last year?  In other words, I didn't expect a tax liability this year of $1,285.

DonB

    Best answer by Vanessa A

    No, one of the exceptions to the underpayment penalty is that you did not owe any taxes last year.

    If you happen to owe again next year and do not make payments of at least $1,285 this year if you owe more than that or 90% of what you owe if you owe less than that, then you would have a penalty next year. 

    2 replies

    Vanessa AAnswer
    Level 15
    March 2, 2022

    No, one of the exceptions to the underpayment penalty is that you did not owe any taxes last year.

    If you happen to owe again next year and do not make payments of at least $1,285 this year if you owe more than that or 90% of what you owe if you owe less than that, then you would have a penalty next year. 

    **Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
    DonB10Author
    Level 2
    March 3, 2022

    I have accepted your answer as the best answer to my question.  However, if I interpret your answer correctly, the only way I can be assured that I am not penalized next year if I fail to make an estimated tax payment this year, is to be sure that I withhold an amount that ensures I get a refund next year which is not easy to do.

    Mike9241
    Level 15
    Level 15
    March 2, 2022

    if you had a tax liability in 2020  (line 24) and if you had neither withholding nor estimated tax payments you would owe a penalty because you owe more than $1000 for 2021

    on form 2210 you can request first-time penalty abatement PART II box A - it is up to the IRS to agree or disagree.

     

     

    Mike9241
    DonB10Author
    Level 2
    March 3, 2022

    Mike, I received a refund of $1918 for the tax year 2020 as I mentioned in my question.