As a widow for over six years, I find it disheartening that the government demands such substantial amounts during tax season. This year’s situation is even graver. Recently, I received a notification from the IRS indicating that I owe $13,838 due to unreported Social Security income.
After complying with all their requirements and submitting relevant documents, I am still awaiting their response, which has now taken two months. I’ve been left here waiting, worrying, and pondering how this situation could affect older widowed women. I had anticipated that the government would increase their workforce, only to find the opposite. If necessary, I will consider legal action against the IRS.
I refuse to let the government mistreat me. Additionally, during the initial round of stimulus checks, I received one addressed in both my name and my late husband’s. In my integrity, I opted to return it. I did so, but the waiting continued. It took two weeks of persistent calling before I finally reached a live representative at the IRS. As of now, I am still waiting for clarity.
Signed, Senior Citizen
The IRS handles countless inquiries.
It might be challenging to manage all of this alone — and you deserve assistance. You’ve experienced a great deal, and understandably, you feel overwhelmed. This isn’t personal. Even though you’re one among millions of taxpayers facing similar challenges, it’s undoubtedly frustrating.
No one is solely targeting you, even if it may feel that way. Under President Joe Biden’s administration, the IRS focused on affluent households and generated over $1.3 billion in overdue taxes over approximately a year. If your updated stimulus check hasn’t arrived, it may be due to a simple technical error or oversight on the IRS’s part.
As for stimulus payments, also referred to as economic impact payments, issued in 2020 and 2021, it’s now too late to file a new or amended tax return to claim them. The deadline for claiming the last payment, known as the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, was April 15, 2025.
Your sentiments are acknowledged. One possible reason behind the IRS’s letter to you could be due to the tax reforms under President Donald Trump, which led to increased retirement allocations for some. If your withholding wasn’t adjusted accordingly, this may explain your current tax obligations.
