topic Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov. in Community Chat

I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

CrazyKittyLvr2 — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:18:13 GMT

I checked my bank account last night and the IRS not only sent my $1,200 but also $1,200 to my husband who has been dead almost a year.

Now mind you, my 2019 tax return has his date of death and I signed as surviving spouse. Being he was alive in 2019 I was allowed to file married jointly. Next year I file single.

I just left a message for one of our Senators asking how do I return it. If I don't hear soon I will try the IRS, if I can get a human being. I prefer to send them a check for the extra and not have pluck money out of my account considering they got it wrong in the first place.

I read where this has happened because they were in a hurry to get the money out to people.

I just want it back to them ASAP.

Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

Meowingkitty — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:32:09 GMT

From what I've read back in 2008 this happened to over 70,000 people. They did not have to pay it back.

Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

Pecky — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:33:33 GMT

I read an article that this was happening and they said to keep it.

Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

millieshops — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:34:18 GMT

Hopefully others like you will know not to spend the money and work to return it - we'f hope for perfection, but it has never been thus - not in go vernment, not in private corporations etc.

Sort of funny story from 20 years ago - the aunt I'd been managing finances for during the final 8 years of her life died and her pension and social security stopped in October as they should have. Come January and I open her bank statement as I work my way toward ending her estate.

Yowzer! There it was - after no pension for 3 months, she got a pension payment. I called - but that time getting to the right party was quick and easy. They agreed no miracle had taken place and clawed back their money before it ould create a real problem for me as executor.

Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

Sadiesadie — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:34:33 GMT

@CrazyKittyLvr2: Interesting reading this as my friend's husband passed in November. Passed on your experience.

Ours will go into savings at the credit union so may not see if it's in there until we get this month's statement in May. We don't have online access for that. Everything else but since we rarely take money out I don't check that account frequently but wait for the statement.

Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

beckyb1012 — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:41:51 GMT

Since he was living during any portion of 2019 and therefore paid tax for that year then the Estate of you dear husband is entitled to the funds. If you want to donate in his honor would be wonderful.

Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

CAcableGirl2 — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:45:49 GMT

@CrazyKittyLvr2 That's interesting to hear. I'm still waiting for my deposit, but am still working so I'm not waiting for it to pay the bills. My understanding is that if they don't get the payment to you, it appears as a credit on this years taxes.

If money is tight, hang on to it just in case come tax time, they want it back (doubtful).

If money is plentiful, donate it to a group that your husband was passionate about, or your local food bank or homeless or animal shelter. Or you could spend it on something you know your husband would like you to have or would like you to do (such as travel when this crisis is over).

Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

NickNack — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:47:58 GMT

Thank you for posting this @CrazyKittyLvr2 . I hope you get an answer quickly. I will watch my father's account closely now in case this happens to him. He died on Christmas Day 2019.

Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

Allegheny — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:48:17 GMT

Just be patient and sit on it for a while. This is happening and has happened in the past. It has hit the media and the IRS will address it. You may either be able to return it or they may say keep it. If you get to keep it, perhaps you can donate it to a needy cause.

Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

CrazyKittyLvr2 — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:52:10 GMT

I tried calling the IRS in Washington, reduced staff, no human beings. I tried IRS in Philly, no answer at all.

IRS website has squat about getting money for dead people. Haven't heard from Senators office.

I can just send a check to the IRS with a "you goofed note". Yes, I could donate and hope they don't decide I have to return it.

The bottom line is, I don't feel it's right to keep it.

Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

NickNack — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 14:00:52 GMT

@CrazyKittyLvr2 I wouldn't return it to the IRS without hearing from someone. It could get lost in the shuffle and you would never be credited for it. That's what would concern me.

Did you have a CPA file your taxes for you? I would call him/her and ask about it.

Edited to say: The IRS may figure this out and withdrawal it from your account. If you had already sent it back you would have an extra hard time.

Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

jackthebear — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:57:44 GMT

just hold on to it until they figure it out.

they will eventually, leave it in the bank

Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

CrazyKittyLvr2 — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:59:58 GMT

I even double checked my copy of my 2019 taxes thinking we messed it up. Nope, across the top is his name, deceased with his date of death.

Signed as surviving spouse.

If I get confirmation no need to return the money it will go to a food bank and some to the shelter that took the outside cat that got caught in the trap.

Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

Helen852 — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 14:04:50 GMT

My DH passed in August. When I filed taxes it was as married. I also received $2400 and I am not returing it nor would I even venture to call the IRS or anyone else. If they want it back, they'll know where to find me. In the meantime, either put it away or spend it wisely.

My mother passed in October but did not file any taxes for the last 5 years, she did not receive the stimulus.

Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

beckyb1012 — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 14:06:30 GMT

@Helen852 wrote:
My DH passed in August. When I filed taxes it was as married. I also received $2400 and I am not returing it nor would I even venture to call the IRS or anyone else. If they want it back, they'll know where to find me. In the meantime, either put it away or spend it wisely.

My mother passed in October but did not file any taxes for the last 5 years, she did not receive the stimulus.

Your correct it does belong to you because your husband was a tax payer at the time.

Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

Mom2Dogs — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 14:11:37 GMT

@CrazyKittyLvr2 ...I know the government goofed and a lot of deceased people will get money and no doubt some of the money will be kept...but like you I would not feel comfortable keeping it....and. would want to return the mone.

Sometimes it is easier to contact your state representative, instead of a senator or congressman....I emailed several senators and congressmen weeks ago about the unemployment money...I have not heard from anyone!

Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

CrazyKittyLvr2 — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 14:25:31 GMT

@NickNack My daughter did them. They are not all that involved. I got a confirmation the IRS accepted the return the day after they were filed electronically.

Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

Bri369 — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 14:28:49 GMT

If it was sent in error, you're entitled to keep it.

Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

Somertime — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 14:35:42 GMT

@CrazyKittyLvr2 I would do nothing at present, especially returning the money at this time. It can cause you numerous problems at a future date and not worth the trouble. At some point when everything is back to "normal", you can contact them and they will have the time and the manpower to direct you. They have been known to withdraw the money directly from your account once an error is found and if you had returned the money to them, it becomes a huge problem.

Do not be in such a rush at this stage of turmoil and shortage of government employees. Be prudent and wait it out. Do nothing.

Re: I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

noodleann — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 14:39:56 GMT

I wouldn't send it back without explicit instructions from the IRS or Treasury. For all you know, they might claw it back out of your account., and then you'd have zip until you got it straightened out.

Just try explaining that to Petunia.