Will the IRS proactively identify and return the withholdings from my 1099-DIV form that I forgot to claim as a refund, or do I need to amend my tax return to ensure I receive the overpayment?
Answered on September 16,2023
No, they do not usually proactively return money that you don't claim on the tax return. Sometimes they send a letter right before the three year Refund Statute Expiration Date letting you know you need to file a tax return to claim the payment but not always.
You need to file an amended return and include a copy of the 1099-DIV showing the federal taxes withheld. You may be able to use the tax software you filed the original return with to amend; you'll need to print out the Form 1040-X and mail it in.
If you can't use the original software you can try FreeTaxUSA - use the prior year menu to recreate your original return, then amend to add the withholding.