If your refund amount is different from the amount that was e-filed and accepted on your tax return, the IRS may have adjusted your refund. This is generally called an "offset" and occurs when you have a past due obligation to pay federal or state debts. Examples of some unpaid debts include Child Support, State and Federal Income Tax, and Student Loans.
How will I know if my refund has been applied to an offset?
The offset is usually handled by the Treasury Department's Financial Management Service. The agency will send you a letter, usually within two weeks, explaining the reason for the adjustment. The letter will also include the original refund amount, the offset amount, the agency receiving the money and the contact information for that agency should you have any questions. If you believe you do not owe the debt or the amount is incorrect, please contact the agency listed in the letter. Do not contact the IRS, Financial Management Services, or our support team regarding the offset as we do not have any information to offer you.
If the IRS indicates a refund has been issued but you did not receive one, the funds may have been used to pay a past due obligation. If you think this may pertain to you, contact the Treasury Offset Department/Bureau of Fiscal Service at 800-304-3107. This can happen if the refund was taken to pay a scheduled offset that was not completed through the IRS.
What if only one spouse is responsible for the debt?
If you filed a joint tax return and only one spouse is responsible for the debt, you may be able to file an Injured Spouse Form 8379 to reclaim a part of the offset amount. You will need to complete Form 8379, Injured Spouse, within your account. Choose the Federal Section >>Miscellaneous Forms >>Injured Spouse Form. You must be filing a married filing joint return to complete this form. Once you complete the form, you can file it with your tax return. If you have already filed an accepted return, print and mail the form to the address you would normally mail your federal return. The mailing addresses can be found here, based on the state you reside. Do NOT amend to include this form. It will take an additional 11-14 weeks to process a tax return when this form is included.