My father died on February 29, 2020. He filed his taxes on February 20th. Will I still be able to get his income tax check? There were a few mistakes he made when he filed and I corrected the errors but still havent gotten it yet. When I check the Wheres My Refund tool online it says it's still being processed. I am his power of attorney and the only trustee and beneficiary in his will. I don't want to pay for a lawyer. He's already taken so much from my dad. When I go back on turbo tax it says the refund was expected on the 4th of April. Do you think I'm going to have to wait. I did contact Social Security when he died. But I didn't know how to do the IRS because they say you can't call them right now. Everything has to be done online. Thanks if you could maybe give me some advice on what to do next to at least get some answers.
It's not unusual to be asked to show proof you're acting upon, waiting upon, or have already fulfilled someone's request. So, a printout, though really not required, may be exactly what someone you would never think of wants for his/her own security blanket when performing the job. (Their own version of CYA).
Consider setting up an online check-in schedule for yourself if there is lots to go through with your father's estate. Maybe go online every 60 days for the IRS, Social Security & similar entities. 15 or 30 days for all banking or insurance issues. I did this with a lot of things when dealing with my mom and spouse as it's enough to drive one crazy.
I really feel for you having to navigate during covid since it's harder to reach any real person/s for help. Remember if any of these entities really need to hear from you, they will contact you and let you know there is a problem. Then you can move forward with the problem.
I suspect also that they're overwhelmed and aren't going to be nit picking returns, so, as you write, just live your life and sooner or later the return will be processed.
I notice that mail delivery seems to be slowing as well; postal workers may have contracted CV and delivery is slowed down.
Periodically I only get mail delivery 3x weekly, and that's started again...although I would gladly not receive those annoying "I wanna buy your house!" postcards.
One thing that I know for a certainty, your status as of December 31 is all they care about. Living, deceased, married, single, dependents what it was on 12/31 is the determining factor for how they respond.
Sending in a corrected return does add another step to the process, especially if you benefit from the corrections.
Be patient and find something to occupy your time during this difficult time. Double whammy for you making it even more challenging. You will get through this, we all will. Patience is the key and the hardest to have when dealing with the IRS, they are so unpredictable.
There's another possibility: did you correct the errors he made after he died, and if so, did you sign as his Trustee? If so, that may trigger the need for file the Form 1041 for Trusts, as well as the form 1310 to request a refund on behalf of a deceased person.
I think I'd step back a bit and give the IRS at least another few weeks if not a month or so.
Since you were POA (that ends at TOD) and trustee/beneficiary (hopefully that means executor, since you say you're the only one left), there should be no problem processing the check, once it arrives. If he had any assets left, those should be moved to an estate account and the refund check can be deposited there.
It's hard when we lose someone we care about, especially when you've been the one providing care and for so long. It's even harder being locked in. Hoping you can find some activity to have a few good minutes here and there in your day. The tears will come, that is just natural. It hasn't been long, so your feelings are still very raw. Hoping you also have someone to reach out to, by phone, or some app. If all else fails, we are here for you.
I found the following web video online that might help give you a few moments of happiness:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5pgG1M_h_U
Or go to YouTube and enter "Some Good News with John Krasinski Ep. 1"
There is a second Ep as well, which should show up in the list, or process when Ep 1 finishes. He started this so we could have GOOD news to make our day a little brighter. It made for some smiles for me. Hope everyone else can find this helps, even just a little bit! Hint, the second one includes a rendition of Hamilton. Wasn't really into the whole Hamilton hype, but it made a little girl's day (and many of those who watched!)
With luck, your dad opted for direct deposit, and it won't be an issue.
We have the postal service send us an email that has a picture of mail we are supposed to get today and it is very common that we don't see it for days. Kinda shoots the point of the emails in the foot. We signed up to know if our mail was being stolen and we still can't keep track of it.
I am sorry for your loss. I pray that you are granted grieving mercies and strength during this difficult time. Great big warm hug!
You reside where I grew up and most of my family still lives there.
The refund will come and most likely it will be direct deposited or if it is a check it will come to the address. (checks will take longer than direct deposit)