It is the ultimate “Gotcha” moment of tax season. You check “Where’s My Refund” (WMR) and see the glorious second bar: Refund Approved. You see a deposit date of February 25, 2026. You start planning how to spend the money.
Then Wednesday comes. The deposit hits your account, but instead of $8,400, it’s only $400.
The Bottom Line: The WMR tool often fails to warn you about “Offsets” until after the money has been taken. If you have outstanding debts (Child Support, State Tax, or Unemployment repayment), the Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS) can intercept your refund before it ever reaches your bank.
You do not have to wait until Wednesday to find out if you’ve been hit. You can check the “Offset Hotline” tonight.
The “Silent” Interception
The IRS approves your refund, but the Treasury Department (specifically the BFS) cuts the check. They run your name against a national database of delinquent debts called the Treasury Offset Program (TOP).
If a match is found, they garnish the funds immediately. The WMR tool might eventually show Tax Topic 203, but often not until the money is already gone.
How to Check for Offsets (Right Now)
There is an automated hotline available 24/7. It is often more up-to-date than the WMR app.
- Step 1: Call 800-304-3107.
- Step 2: Select Option “1” for English.
- Step 3: Select Option “1” to check for an offset.
- Step 4: Enter your Social Security Number.
What The Robot Will Tell You:
- “No Debts Found”: You are likely safe. Your full refund should deposit on Feb 25.
- “One Debt Found”: The system will list the agency taking your money (e.g., “Department of Child Support Services” or “State of Ohio”). It will also give you a contact number for that agency.
The “Offset” Cheat Sheet
What kinds of debt can actually touch your federal refund?
| Debt Type | Who Takes It? | Can You Stop It? |
| Child Support | State Agency | No. (Unless you file Form 8379) |
| State Tax Debt | State Dept of Rev | No. |
| Unemployment Overpayment | State Labor Dept | No. |
| Federal Student Loans | Dept of Ed | Maybe. (Check specifically for “Fresh Start” status in 2026). |
| Credit Card/Medical Debt | Private Collectors | NO. Private debt cannot touch a federal tax refund. |
The “Injured Spouse” Loophole
If you filed Jointly with your spouse, and the debt belongs only to them (e.g., their child support from a previous marriage), they cannot legally take YOUR share of the refund.
- The Fix: You must file Form 8379 (Injured Spouse Allocation).
- Timing: Ideally, you attach this to your return when you file. If you didn’t, you can file it after the offset happens to get your portion of the money back. It takes about 8-14 weeks to process, but you will get your share back.
Action Plan:
Call the 800-304-3107 number immediately. If you hear a debt listed, contact that specific agency Monday morning to see if the offset is accurate.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult official government resources.
Evan Cole Editor-in-Chief | Breaking News & Public Policy
“From Washington to Wall Street, and Main Street to Hollywood—Evan Cole connects the dots.”
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