Understanding Tax Offsets

So, you’ve just filed your taxes, and you’re excited to see that you have a refund headed your way. Only, that refund never comes. You contact the IRS and learn that a tax offset is in place. If this happens to you, you  might be confused about what has happened and why, but it’s actually pretty simple.  

The Treasury Offset Program

Tax offsets, as much as you may hate them, are legal and are issued by the Treasury Offset Program. Through this program, the IRS is able to seize a refund and use it to pay debts that the taxpayer has.

How does this happen? Well, the entity that you owe money to reports it to the IRS after you’re 90 days past due. If the debt is legitimate and one that is approved for collections by the program, there’s not much that you can do. All or part of your refund can legally be used to pay the debt instead of making its way into your pocket.

Approved Debts

So, you may be wondering, what debts can lead to a tax offset?

Thankfully, it’s not all or even most of them. Your refund will only be offset if you owe for unemployment compensation benefits, federal student loans, state tax, child support, or alimony.

If your debt doesn’t fall into one of these categories, then you have nothing to worry about. Your refund will still make its way to you.

A tax offset may seem like terrible news, but look at it in this light: you’re paying a debt you owe, and you have one less financial burden on your shoulders. In this way, it can actually be a good, helpful thing, even if it doesn’t feel like it.

If you do fall victim to a tax offset, it may also mean that you’re not taking care of your financial obligations as you should. Take it as a sign that it’s time to step up and get some professional financial help. This “bad luck” could actually be the impetus you need to improve your financial future.