I made a mistake and got more refund than I should. What should I do?
Q) I made a mistake and got more refund than I should. What do I do?
A) According to the IRS: Many mistakes are corrected in processing and a letter of explanation is mailed at the time the refund is issued.
If the mistake was not corrected in processing, you need to:
- File an amended or corrected return using Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, as soon as possible.
- Include copies of any schedules that have been changed or any Form(s) W-2 (PDF) you did not include.
- If you return the refund check with a letter of explanation, a refund in the correct amount will be issued when the IRS processes the amended return.
- Write “Void” in the endorsement section of the check, and return the check with a letter of explanation to the Service Center where you file your amended return as soon as possible to minimize the interest charges.
- Allow the IRS 8-12 weeks to process the amended return.
According to the IRS – Some tax returns take longer to process than others for many reasons, including when a return:
Includes errors
Is incomplete
Is affected by identity theft or fraud
Includes a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit or an Additional Child Tax Credit. See Q&A below.
Includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, which could take up to 14 weeks to process
Needs further review in general
We will contact you by mail when we need more information to process your return. https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions