Can Overpaid Taxes Be Recovered?

If you filed your tax return incorrectly and paid more than you owed, you may be eligible for a refund if you correct it within a limited period. The general time limit for claiming a refund is the later of:

• 3 years after the date you filed your original return
• 2 years after the date you paid the tax

Other factors that may affect the timeframe include bad debts, foreign tax credits, federally declared disasters, military service, and more.

Absolutely Imaginary Story: Lost Love, Recovered Taxes

Zhang, a retiree who recently immigrated from China, met Zhao, a young local, and they lived together. Zhao handled their own taxes and suggested Zhang do the same. Due to unfamiliarity with U.S.-China tax treaties, Zhang mistakenly reported their Chinese social securities as taxable income, leading to an overpayment. Zhao eventually left Zhang due to Zhang's financial problems. Seeking help, Zhang consulted a tax professional, who amended their return and helped them recover the overpaid taxes. Later, Zhang met a new partner, Li.