I Got Too Much Money From Gov.

CrazyKittyLvr2 · ‎05-11-2013

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.

Meowingkitty · ‎06-19-2010

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

Pecky · ‎03-10-2010

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

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

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.

Sadiesadie · ‎08-05-2011

@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.

beckyb1012 · ‎03-09-2010

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.

"Live frugally, but love extravagantly."

CAcableGirl2 · ‎06-03-2010

@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).

......You look like I need a drink.....

NickNack · ‎03-10-2010

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.

The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau

Allegheny · ‎03-19-2010

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.