When I was a freshman in college, I did my taxes for the first time. I hadn’t worked, but paid taxes on scholarship money. I ended up sending the IRS a check for $200-something. A few months later I received a $900ish check from the IRS. I figured it was a clerical error and threw it away (because I didn’t want them to come after me for cashing the check+interest later), and didn’t think about it again until today. But in retrospect, I might not have taken the standard deduction, which might account for a discrepancy that large. At the time I didn’t really need the money, so I didn’t investigate it.
Recently, I am wondering if perhaps I made a mistake and overpaid (not unlikely, as I self-prepared and it was my first time doing them). But I don’t have a copy of the return anymore–I sent it in over 7 years ago. Where would I even begin trying to find out if I made an overpayment, and would there be any way to claim that now (presumably plus interest)? Or is it too late?
Correction, I forgot: I DID work, part-time at a grocery store the summer before I went away to school (for min wage at the time, $5.15). So I did pay some taxes.
I’d start with calling the IRS and asking the question. If the answer is, it was too long ago, then that’s your answer. I tend to assume that when my government sends me money, they know better than I do and cash the cheque ASAP (I also figure that if it was a mistake, they’ll be getting in touch with me and asking for the money back).
Not to be an impolitic upstart, but I’m starting by asking the question here. If there’s a hard statute of limitations on overpayments, I figure one of the attorneys lurking about would be aware of it, and I wouldn’t have to call. (I hate phones)
I was a very naive 19 year old. Bygones, etc. But that money would make a much bigger difference in my life now than it would have back then. So, I’ve become interested.
{Shrug.} Sooner or later you’ll be calling the IRS if this goes anywhere, and you might be able to clear this up with one call (or maybe you can ask the question on their website). I’m neither American nor a lawyer; I’m just saying what my first step would be in this situation.
The first thing to do is file Form 4506-T to request an account transcript for the tax year in question. The account transcript will show the adjustment. Then you need to call the IRS to request that they reissue the check. If the check can be reissued (there are time limits) they will send Form 3911 for you to complete to request a new check.
Thanks a lot, Gus. I’m crossing my fingers it’s not too late, but it probably is. Bah.
I especially did not want to call them without having researched the possibility beforehand. I tried to google this topic, but I could only get results for people who OWED back taxes (and many attorneys thereof), not people who are owed money.
Obviously if I am still eligible to get that check, I (really really!) want to. But if I’m not, I’d rather hear it asap. Also I’m at work, and can’t make that call until I get home anyway. Why not ask the ever-flowing fount of dopey knowledge?
It may even be too late to get the transcript. I had thought that they went back quite a few years, but now I see that they may not be available for a 2003 return. You may have to call the IRS to see if a transcript for 2003 is available.
You should contact the IRS about your lost check. They definitely should have a record of the outstanding check issued to you that has never been cashed. Now normally, all other institutions are required to turn over (escheat) money from uncashed checks,etc. to their respective state governments, normally after 7 years, along with the payee and then the state treasurers are responsible for trying to find the people the money belongs to before taking it into the state coffers. (Haven’t you seen those long ads the state runs in your local paper every year with a list of people’s money they’re holding?) Since this is the federal government, I’m not sure where they would have responsibility to escheat your $900 to, but they should have a record of your uncashed check.
Since your 2003 return and check refund wouldn’t have occured until sometime during 2004, your lost check may not even be 7 years old yet.
I don’t live in my hometown (or home state) anymore, and I don’t read local newspapers. I’ve heard of those “found money” websites, but never found anything under my name before.
Thanks a lot! I guess I’d better ring them, just in case. I would have submitted my 2003 taxes in April 2004 (a little over 6 years ago). I’m not 100% sure what month the check was issued, but I remember it coming to my home address during summer break, must have been sometime May-August. I might still be in-date! :eek:
