IRS returns more money than my calculation - how can I find out where I was wrong?
A couple of months ago I filed the 2012 tax returns. I was expecting a few thousands USD for a refund. Finally, the payment was received in my bank account, and I noticed that the actual refund was about 0 more than my estimates.
Every year I am preparing the returns with a self-prepared spreadsheet, which is verified by the calculations made by Free File Fillable Forms application in the IRS website.
Since the basic application calculation matches my spreadsheet calculation to the dollar, I am concluding that the 0 difference comes from my (mis)understanding of one, or some of the rules (like, which choices I should have made, etc.).
Is there a way to get a detailed calculation of the corrected IRS estimate, for educational purposes?
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If the IRS changes your return in any way (including math errors) - they send a letter explaining the change and the reasons for it. You should read that letter, it will answer your question (Usually its a CP12 notice). If you didn't receive it - you can call them and ask to resend it (they're unlikely to answer over the phone, but you can try asking).
I'm confused by your using the word "estimate". Your tax return is not supposed to be estimate, it supposed to be precise. Why are you considering your tax return "estimate"? If your filed tax return shows refund of $X and you received $X+0 - then as I said, a letter of explanation from the IRS is due. If you don't know what the refund amount on your return is and you're trying to "estimate" it now - you better get a copy of that return.
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