Paying taxes is never easy, but for some Americans this year, it became extra stressful. Two women—Jasmine Walton from Chicago and Laura Floyd from South Dakota—shared how they got surprise tax bills from the IRS, even after they had already paid what they owed.
These mistakes have caused panic and confusion, and now many people are asking the IRS to fix the problem.
Jasmine Walton’s Shocking Tax Bill
Jasmine Walton thought she had done everything right. She paid her taxes before the April 15 deadline. But then, she received not one, but two new bills from the IRS, saying she owed $7,000 more.
“It almost sent us into a tizzy,” she told WBBM-TV. She explained how hard her family works to save money. “We are counting every penny that leaves our household, so to tell us we owe thousands more after already paying?”
Walton says the IRS needs to solve the issue where people are getting charged twice or more by mistake.
Laura Floyd’s Tax Panic
Laura Floyd, who lives in South Dakota, also got a surprise. She had already paid her huge $18,000 tax bill. But then, just like Walton, she got another bill.
“It was terrifying,” she said. “It was a near-on panic attack.”
She was very upset because she had followed all the rules, yet still got penalized.
Why Are These Problems Happening?
The IRS expects over 140 million people to file their taxes each year. That’s a huge number, and sometimes errors happen.
The IRS has asked people to file their taxes online (electronically) and choose to receive refunds through direct deposit. These steps help reduce mistakes. Paper checks and paper tax returns are more likely to get delayed or lost.
Usually, it takes less than 21 days to process a tax return. But if the return is incomplete or has mistakes, delays can happen.
How to Avoid These Issues
To avoid problems like Walton and Floyd faced, the IRS suggests:
- File your taxes electronically
- Double-check all your details before submitting
- Ask for your refund to be sent directly to your bank
- Keep all receipts and records of your payment
- Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” online tool to track your tax status
Many Americans are dealing with tax issues this year, even though they followed the rules. Mistaken bills from the IRS have caused panic for people like Jasmine Walton and Laura Floyd.
As millions continue to file taxes every year, these types of errors show the need for better systems and checks. Filing online, using direct deposit, and checking your return status can help avoid such problems.
But at the same time, people are calling on the IRS to improve how it handles mistakes to avoid hurting honest taxpayers.
FAQs
Why did some taxpayers get surprise IRS bills after paying?
Some taxpayers received additional tax bills due to IRS processing errors, even though they had already paid in full before the deadline.
What should I do if I receive a duplicate IRS bill?
You should contact the IRS immediately and provide proof of payment. It’s important to keep records like confirmation emails and payment receipts.
How can I avoid IRS billing mistakes?
To reduce the chance of errors, file your taxes electronically, double-check your details, and choose direct deposit for any refunds.
How long does the IRS usually take to process returns?
The IRS usually processes tax returns within 21 days, but delays can occur if there are errors or if the return is filed by paper.
What is the IRS ‘Where’s My Refund?’ tool?
It’s an online service provided by the IRS that lets taxpayers check the status of their tax return and refund in real-time.
