Why do I have to pay this penalty to IRS??

Question

I filed my amended tax return using form 1040X because I had forgotten to include forms 1099-G in my total income. This resulted in additional tax of $140 which I sent with the form in the form of check. I filed this amended return after 15th of April 2007.
I have recieved a letter from IRS acknowledging the reciept of $140. I have been asked to send a certain amount which is interest on this money.
I have also been asked to pay additional $100 for late filing penalty.
My question: Do I have to pay this penalty because I filed amended return after the deadline of April 15th 2007?

Answer 1

As long as you filed a valid return by the filing deadline, a late filing penalty is not appropriate. The penalty for late payment as well as the interest is legit. The IRS messes these up all the time. Most of the time a simple phone call is all it takes, though I would follow up with a letter as well.

To protect yourself from any further interest and charges you can pay the amount they demand and mark the check "Paid Under Protest" in the memo section. Attach a letter explaining their error, i.e. you filed a timely and then had to amend it to correct an error and the late filing penalty is inappropriate. If they accept your explanation they'll return the overpayment to you.

Answer 2

When was the original return filed? If it was not filed or filed after April 17, 2007, then the late filing fee is correct. It it was filed before April 17, 2007 then a letter or phone call should release you from the $100 penalty.

The date of the amended return does not affect the late filing penalty.

Answer 3

There shouldn't be a late filing penalty, but there will be interest and a late payment penalty

Answer 4

Yes, unfortunately it doesn't matter you're still going to have to pay the fee. They can also fee you for not paying you're fee within a certain amount of time so i would just get on it.

Answer 5

Yes.