If your refund was less than you expected, it may have been reduced by the IRS or a Financial Management Service (FMS) to pay past-due child support, federal agency nontax debts, state income tax obligations, or unemployment compensation debts owed to a state.

How do you know if your tax refund is correct?

If you don’t want to wait for the written explanation, you can always call the IRS with questions about your refund amount. The main IRS toll-free number is (800) 829-1040 or (800) 829-4059 (TDD) for the hearing impaired. Note, however, that at this time of year, you could be on hold for a while.

What do I do if my tax refund is incorrect?

If the IRS does eventually notice the error, you’ll face penalties and interest on the amount you didn’t properly pay on time. In these cases, file an amended return, Form 1040X, and send the original, incorrect refund check back to the agency. If the money was directly deposited, use it to pay your correct tax due.

Do you get full tax refund for 2010?

Taxpayer received full tax refund for 2010 (so that wasn’t challenged), and was never contacted by phone or by mail for an audit. Taxpayer recently received forms 4549 and 866 A disallowing all expens … read more

How to return an erroneous tax refund to the IRS?

Contact the Automated Clearing House (ACH) department of the bank/financial institution where the direct deposit was received and have them return the refund to the IRS. Call the IRS toll-free at 800-829-1040 (individual) or 800-829-4933 (business) to explain why the direct deposit is being returned. Interest may accrue on the erroneous refund.

What to do when you get your tax refund?

Since the letter and check or direct deposit usually don’t arrive simultaneously, you can always call the IRS if you get a refund check and have questions about the amount. The main IRS toll-free number is (800) 829-1040 or (800) 829-4059 (TDD) for the hearing impaired. You also can call or visit your local Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Is the IRS responsible for errors on tax returns?

The IRS assumes no responsibility for tax preparer or taxpayer error. Please verify your account and routing numbers with your financial institution and double check the accuracy of the numbers you enter on your return prior to signing and submitting it. You should not request a deposit of your refund into an account that’s not in your own name.