Is it too late to file 2016 return and apply its overpayment to not yet filed 2017 return?

[abctax55 · Accepted solution]

And..if the IRS screws up & sends a check anyway, tell your client not to cash it.  Then send it back to the IRS with an explanation.  It will likely take a bit to get straightened out, but might be worth it if the amount is large and there are underpayment penalties on the 2017 return.

[itonewbie]

Technically you could, by law and regulations. As IRMN says, you may, however, run into administrative issues.  You should also take a look at when the payment(s) giving rise to the overpayment was made as that would determine when it would be creditable for the purpose of offsetting the 2017 liability.

[IRonMaN]

It's worth a try, but you might have to deal with a notice or two along the way before it gets straightened out.

[Marc-TaxMan]

Just a gut feeling:  I think it's safer if 2016 and 2017 are filed today, so timely filed 2017 as filed will reflect overpay from 2016