Tenn. man says he tried to return a $20,000 IRS error — then got charged interest

I've got the president, the governor, the mayor.They don't mind asking you to vote for them.But when you need the help, you can't get a hold of nobody.You have to talk to a damn computer.

When the IRS accidentally sent a Coopertown man a $20 ,000 refund, he did the right thing and tried to give it back.Turns out that was easier said than done.He hit one wall after another.Eventually, he was hit with an interest charge.

That's when Hannah McDonald stepped in to help untangle this mess and push for some answers.Because when it feels like the odds are stacked against you, Hannah can help.

16 miles back to Clarksville, 10 miles to Ashton City, 12 miles to Springfield, 22 miles to Nashville.It's like being in heaven, go any direction you want to go.

Wilson Perry Kirby is right where he wants to be.

When's it gonna rain?"Getting to do the things he wants to do. I can ask her about movie stars, like when John Wayne, she'll tell me when he died, how old he was when he died, and all that stuff. She's a nice gal, I'll tell you. Kirby is retired and says exactly what he thinks. I'm country, I'm plain spoken, and I'm loud. I know I am. Kirby keeps to himself on his farm in Coopertown, yet somehow he got tangled in a mess with the IRS. She didn't make no mistake. I didn't make a mistake. They made a mistake."

Four years ago, Kirby received a $20 ,000 tax refund he says was sent in error.Sending it back was a struggle, he says.This is your letter last summer that says, I received the wrong amount of tax refund on May 10, 2022.

Yep.

And then after all his efforts, he says the IRS demanded he pay interest on the money.This year, the tax agency actually kept his entire refund.he says.The IRS wouldn't discuss specifics with me because of federal privacy law.How much did it hurt when you saw that this year they just took your return?

Oh, I cried.

It hurt me.Kirby's called everyone he can think of for help, from his son to his preacher to the president.

I've tried the president, the governor, the mayor.They don't mind asking to vote for him.But when you need the help, you can't get a hold of nobody.

Kirby lost his wife 18 months ago, fighting this battle largely on his own ever since.

She knows how to text.She's got a computer in there.I don't even know how to cut a note, but she stuck by me and I wouldn't have what I have today.

After years of back and forth, he says things finally started moving when we got involved.By the end of this month, he says he is expecting to get this year's refund, bringing this case to a close.And if it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't have got nothing done.Kirby's kindness means a lot, but he's also done a lot of advocating for himself and never giving up.

Everybody's got an opinion just like everybody's got a...Excuse my language.There you go again.

So in true Kirby fashion, he'll be moving on.Hannah McDonald, News Channel 5.That's all I got to say.

Thanks, Hannah.If you run into problems with the IRS, contacting your local taxpayer advocate service can be a good first step.It's an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers navigate issues and resolve problems.If you want Hannah's help with something you're struggling to handle, email her or simply search Hannah Can Help on Facebook to join her group.