Years ago they actually sent me a check because they thought I should have taken a deduction that I didn’t. I didn’t want to get on a gotcha list, so I sent back a letter explaining that the deduction was not proper for my situation, and they responded that if that was the case, I needed to file an amended return. That was way more energy than I wanted to spend on this issue, so I just ignored the check… until the next year, when they mailed me another one with a tartly-worded form letter about the importance of promptly depositing it, and again the year after. At that point I figured if Uncle Sam is that desperate for me to take the money I’d indulge him. At this point I’m well past the statute of repose for any potential issues that created, so I think I’m in the clear, but I guess we’ll see.
Comment on Tax time
PeleSpirit@lemmy.world 7 months ago
They really do keep it a secret. I’ve gotten bills saying I don’t owe anything more and then bill me for $100 later. I don’t understand, but just pay it. It’s where the healthcare system learned their math.
Thrashy@lemmy.world 7 months ago
starman2112@sh.itjust.works 7 months ago
I mean, if they make that mistake, they can’t demand more back than they sent you. Look at it as an interest-free loan, invest it into something that’ll reliably earn more money over time, and if Uncle Sam ever wants it back, you’ve still made a profit
PeleSpirit@lemmy.world 7 months ago
Lol, that’s a good problem to have when dealing with the IRS.
Pandemanium@lemm.ee 7 months ago
Just a PSA, the IRS recently instituted some kind of AI algorithm that is re-flagging a lot of things that have already been resolved… a friend got a bill for $1500 which they had earlier sent a letter of apology for. He doesn’t actually owe anything, it’s just the glitchy algorithm sending the old bill out again.
If you don’t understand why you owe more, don’t just give up and pay it. The IRS can make mistakes too.
PeleSpirit@lemmy.world 7 months ago
I know this is going to sound crazy, but I don’t mind paying a small amount if they come back in a timely manner. They have been so amazing to work with. We owed a huge amount and they negotiated with us to pay it down. So if we have to pay $100 more now and then, I’ll let them spend that time working with people who need it.
Note: If you owe a large amount, don’t ignore it. They will usually work with you if you contact them early to pay it in installments. If you don’t think you can pay ever, tell them. You’ll still owe it, but communicating is better than freezing and ignoring.
Pandemanium@lemm.ee 7 months ago
Lol I never said ignore it. Just don’t blindly pay without looking into it.