The short answer
Yes. If you owe federal taxes from a prior year, the IRS can use your refund to pay it. Refunds also go to the debt while you are on a plan or in CNC status. Your refund can also go to child support, other federal debts, or state income tax debt.
If it paid your spouse's debt from a joint return, Form 8379 may get your share back.
Words to know
- Form 8379
- The form to ask for injured spouse relief, to get back your share of a joint refund.