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Not positive I'm thinking correctly either. You prepare the return that begins during 2009 on 2009 forms. If it's an S-corp, you let the K-1 recipients know that they will report on their 2010 returns, the year the corp fiscal year ends. The corporate return has a place at the top to put the beginning and ending dates when a fiscal year. (If you think of a currently ending fiscal year, the forms for next tax year are not out yet; so it's easier to realize you need the forms for the beginning of the fiscal year.)

I'm with Jack and John on this part. If you return the check but they "lose" it, you have no proof at all that you sent it. Registered mail does not prove WHAT was in the mail. Sure, they have no proof that you cashed it, but since they have all the power, they expect YOU to prove that you did not, On the other hand, if you cash it and put it into a savings account,, AND you keep copies of all the correspondence where you try to clear it up, I've never had any problem getting them to abate any penalties. If you do hold it until you are certain that it is not a proper refund, then return the check at a local IRS office, in person, and get written confirmation from them that you did, signed and dated, Paranoid? Maybe, but based on real-life experience.