Category: Refund Claims

When the IRS owes you money, the rules for getting it back are strict. Learn how refund claims work, the deadlines that apply, and how to pursue a refund through the IRS or in court.

  • The Fine Print in the IRS Refund Payment Rules

    The Fine Print in the IRS Refund Payment Rules

    Our tax laws have a number of arbitrary deadlines which often result in problems for taxpayers, rather than the IRS. Late submissions usually mean that the taxpayer ends up paying more tax than they actually owe. However, there are a few timing rules that apply to the IRS, one of which involves the time frame…

  • Recover Money Paid to the IRS in Error

    Recover Money Paid to the IRS in Error

    What if the IRS gets it wrong and then fails to respond to the taxpayer for several years. Can the IRS then agree with the taxpayer, but argue that the taxpayer responded late? The informal claim doctrine can help in these situations. The Chenette v. United States, No. 19-cv-02998-JCS (N.D. Cali. 2019) case provides an…