In Balance Books

IRS Issues Answers to FAQ About 2021 Child Tax Credit (3/3)

Q: What happens if two different taxpayers claimed the CTC for the same qualifying child?

A: In some cases, a child meets all the IRS tests to be a qualifying child for multiple taxpayers. Generally, however, only one taxpayer may claim the child for the CTC. As a result, the IRS may reject a return because the taxpayer claimed the CTC for a child already listed on a return filed earlier by someone else. If this situation arises with your return, you will need to submit a paper return instead of filing electronically. You will then receive an IRS notice detailing next steps, so that IRS personnel can determine which taxpayer may actually claim the credit.

Refund Scams - Did You Know?

As tax filing season ends and individuals start receiving their refunds, taxpayers should be aware of a refund scam that may be making the rounds.

The scammer starts by stealing taxpayer information through hacks, uses the stolen information to file a tax return, and then gets the refund deposited into the victim's account. They then contact the victim and pretend to be the IRS saying that it was a mistaken deposit and to return the money to them. The scammers may make threats for you to return the 'erroneous deposit' using a recorded call message, or pose as debt collection agency officials acting on behalf of the IRS.

The IRS has established procedures for taxpayers to follow in the genuine case of a mistaken refund that can be found here: https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc161.

Tax Refund Myths – Did You Know?

There can be uncertainty around the timeline for receiving IRS tax refunds. Here are a few common questions related to these myths, along with real-world answers.

Q: Can I get a more accurate refund date by calling the IRS or my tax return preparer?
A: No. The IRS Where's My Refund online portal (link below) and the IRS2Go app provide the most accurate information available on the timeline for your tax refund.

Q: Can I find out my refund date by ordering a tax transcript from the IRS?
A: This popular myth is false. Use the Where's My Refund portal or IRS2Go app to get an estimated date for your refund.

Q: The Where's My Refund Portal or IRS2Go app does not show a refund deposit or mailing date. Does this mean that the system is not working?
A: Generally, if these sources cannot provide a refund date, it just means that the IRS has not finished processing your return. While the IRS issues most refunds within 21 days for electronically filed returns, processing can take longer for a variety of reasons.

Q: What does it mean if Where's My Refund shows a different refund amount than I expected?
A: Most likely, the IRS had to make an adjustment to your return. You will receive an official IRS or U.S. Treasury letter explaining any change to your refund amount.

Q: If I get a 2021 tax refund, does that mean my withholding amounts are correct for 2022?
A: Not necessarily. Regardless of your refund amount, it is always good to check the IRS Withholding Estimator Tool (link below) periodically to make sure you are staying on track.

IRS Where's My Refund portal: https://www.irs.gov/refunds
IRS Withholding Estimator tool: https://apps.irs.gov/app/tax-withholding-estimator