How to Recover Tax Offsets

A tax refund offset is when a creditor garnishes your tax refund to satisfy a debt that is owed. Tax refund offsets are common with creditors, as well as federal and state government agencies. If your tax refund is offset, there are methods in place for you to recover your money. The exact method to recover an offset varies, depending upon your marital and financial status.

Advertisement

Individual Tax Returns

Video of the Day

Step 1

Write a statement to the Internal Revenue Service indicating that you are challenging the offset of your tax refund.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Include in the statement your reasons for challenging the tax offset. To have the offset reversed, you need a really good reason, such as the bill has already been paid off or the debt is not yours.

Advertisement

Step 3

Submit the written statement to the IRS.

Step 4

Wait for the IRS to conduct an appeal hearing. During the hearing, the IRS will determine whether your challenge is legitimate. If deemed legitimate, the offset will be reversed.

Advertisement

Married Filing Jointly

Step 1

Complete IRS Form 8379, "Injured Spouse Allocation," if your tax refund is offset due to your spouse's debt.

Step 2

Complete IRS Form 8857, "Innocent Spouse Relief," if your tax refund is offset by the federal government due to your spouse making false or misleading information on a tax return.

Advertisement

Step 3

Submit Form 8379 or 8857, whichever is applicable, to the IRS address that is located on the form.

Advertisement

Step 4

Wait for the IRS to approve your request. There is no specific time-frame for the IRS to approve your request.

Advertisement

Hardship Request

Step 1

Request IRS Form 433-A, "Collection Information Statement for Wage Earners and Self-Employed Individuals." This form is also known as a "Hardship Request." Only complete a hardship request if the tax refund offset is preventing you from purchasing basic life necessities.

Advertisement

Step 2

Complete the form by entering the details of your hardship. Disclose whether you have filed for bankruptcy.

Step 3

Document on the form all of your assets, resources and expenses, including groceries, transportation, rent, child care and utilities.

Advertisement

Step 4

Submit the hardship request for to the IRS. Wait for the IRS to approve your request. There is no specific time-frame for the IRS to approve your request.

Things You'll Need

  • IRS form 8857

  • IRS form 8379

  • IRS form 433-A

Advertisement

Advertisement