How to get money back from the IRS?

September 21, 2013 2:12 PM

I estimated and sent money I thought I owed in taxes to the IRS when I filed for an extension on my 2012 taxes. I finally just did my taxes and I actually got a refund instead. How do I get the money I sent the IRS in April back now?

I typically do my taxes on TurboTax and I didn't notice an option or page where I could request money back from the IRS that I paid them back in April when I filed recently. I got my refund recently, but now I'm wondering how I can access what the IRS still owes me?

I'm thinking I have to file an amended return, and if so, what is the particular section that I fill out to claim my money back?

posted by xtine to Work & Money (5 answers total)

I have to agree with the young rope-rider. They are extremely helpful (and really quite nice) if you call them.
posted by magnetsphere at 2:33 PM on September 21, 2013 [1 favorite]

There really should have been an option somewhere in there to tell them that you'd previously filed an extension and how much you paid with it, so that's very odd. The up side is that the IRS often catches stuff like this and corrects it themselves, but otherwise you can amend. There's a very obvious line about 'tax paid with extension' or something on the 1040X and for that matter on the 1040 itself, which is why it's a good idea to actually review the form before you submit it even when you're using software.
posted by Sequence at 3:46 PM on September 21, 2013

There is a line on the 1040 where you enter tax already paid with your extension request (line 68). You forgot to fill that line out on your 1040, so you need to file an amended return (a 1040X) with that line correctly completed. TurboTax has a flow that allows you to amend your return; you should just be able to use that.
posted by phoenixy at 3:56 PM on September 21, 2013 [1 favorite]

Seconding phoenixy- the 1040 has such a line in the credits section. If you haven't sent it in already, look at the form and you'll see where it goes. That part of the form basically goes [amount you owe for 2012] - [what you've already paid] = refund or payment required.

If you sent it in already, you should probably call them. I know the IRS will occasionally correct returns and send you a letter where you accept the corrections. That process might already be underway, making an amended return possibly unnecessary.
posted by gjc at 4:08 PM on September 21, 2013

I believe you will need to file an amended return.

FWIW, once, the IRS actually sent me a check months after I filed, for an additional amount of return they discovered I was due. This was on their own volition. I never even suspected my returns had been in error, much less in my favor.
posted by Thorzdad at 9:44 AM on September 22, 2013