Alright, so you checked your bank account and — surprise! — there’s a tax refund from the IRS. But wait… you’re not sure it’s really yours? Maybe it was a mistake or an overpayment? Don’t freak out. This happens to a bunch of people, and sending it back is way easier than you might think. Let me walk you through what to do.
Step 1: Make Sure That Refund Is Really Yours
Before you do anything, double-check that the money actually came from the IRS and it’s meant for you.
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Take a look at your bank statement and see if the amount matches what you expected.
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Or jump onto the IRS website and use their “Where’s My Refund?” tool — it’s super easy and tells you if they’ve sent a payment to you.
If it looks like it’s not supposed to be yours, no worries. Keep reading.
Step 2: Call the IRS ASAP — Don’t Wait
The faster you call, the better. The IRS wants to fix these mistakes quickly.
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Call 800-829-1040, the IRS hotline for refund questions.
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Have your Social Security number and tax info ready, so they can find your file.
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Tell them you got a refund by mistake and want to return it.
They’ll tell you exactly what to do next.
Step 3: Fill Out a Form — Don’t Let the Number Scare You
They’ll probably ask you to fill out something called Form 3911. Sounds complicated, but it’s just their way of getting all the info to fix the mistake.
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You can download the form online or ask them to mail it to you.
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Just fill in your details and why you’re sending the refund back.
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Send it back to the IRS following their instructions.
Simple, right?
Step 4: Send the Money Back the Way They Ask
Once they’ve got your form, the IRS will tell you how to return the money.
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Usually, it’s a check made out to “U.S. Treasury” that you mail in.
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Be sure to write your Social Security number on the check so they know who it’s from.
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Sometimes they’ll give you info to send it electronically.
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Follow their instructions carefully so everything goes smoothly.
Step 5: Keep Everything Organized and Stay on Top of It
After you send the money back, don’t just forget about it.
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Keep copies of the form, check, and any IRS letters or emails.
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Check your bank account to make sure the money left.
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If the IRS contacts you again, answer them right away.
A Few Quick Tips
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Don’t spend the money if you think you might have to send it back — trust me, it saves headaches.
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Calling the IRS quickly shows you’re doing the right thing, which helps keep things smooth.
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If it all feels overwhelming, getting a tax pro to help is totally worth it.
Getting an unexpected refund can be a surprise, but fixing it isn’t a big deal. Just stay calm, follow these steps, and you’ll get it sorted in no time.
If you want, I can help you with the form or answer any questions. Just say the word!
