i had Tax payment schedule set up and made 3 payments and the whole amount was taken out april 15. how can i get the refund?

That’s definitely a frustrating situation! It sounds like there was an error in processing your tax payment schedule. Here’s what you should do to try and get that refund:

1. Contact the IRS Immediately:

• Call the IRS: The best first step is to call the IRS directly. The number for individual tax inquiries is 1-800-829-1040. Be prepared to wait on hold, but explain your situation clearly and have your tax information handy (Social Security number, filing status, amount of overpayment, and details about your payment schedule).  
• Explain the situation: Inform the IRS representative that you had a payment schedule set up, made three payments, but the full amount was also withdrawn on April 15th.
• Inquire about the overpayment: Ask how they will process the overpayment and what steps you need to take to receive a refund.

2. Check “Where’s My Refund?” Tool:

• Go to the official IRS website and use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. Although this tool is primarily for tracking refunds from filed tax returns, it might provide some insight into the status of your overpayment once the IRS processes it. You’ll need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact amount of your expected refund (which would be the excess amount taken).  

3. Be Prepared to Provide Information:

When you contact the IRS, they may ask for:

• Your Social Security number (or ITIN).
• Your filing status.
• The tax year for which the payment was made (presumably 2024 for the April 15th deadline).
• The dates and amounts of the three payments you made under the schedule.
• The date and amount of the full withdrawal on April 15th.
• Your bank account details if you want the refund via direct deposit.
• The address on your tax return.

4. Understand Potential Outcomes:

• Direct Refund: The IRS may recognize the overpayment and automatically issue a refund via direct deposit (if you used it for previous refunds or payments) or by mail as a paper check.
• Further Review: The IRS might need to investigate the discrepancy, which could take some time. They may send you a notice requesting more information.
• Form 843, Claim for Refund: In some cases, the IRS might instruct you to file Form 843, Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement, to formally request the return of the overpaid amount. You can find this form on the IRS website.  

Important Considerations:

• Keep Records: Maintain copies of your tax return, payment confirmations, bank statements showing the withdrawals, and any communication you have with the IRS.
• Be Patient: Resolving issues with the IRS can sometimes take time. Be polite and persistent in your follow-up.
• Avoid Third Parties: Be cautious of any third-party services offering to expedite your refund for a fee. The IRS does not endorse these services, and you can work directly with the IRS for free.

It’s good that you caught this quickly. By contacting the IRS promptly, you should be able to start the process of getting your overpayment refunded.