---
title: A Tax Refund Taken for Debt: What It Means and What to Do
url: https://taxtruce.com/health/refund-offset
updated: 2026-10-29
---

# Your tax refund was taken

Why it happened and how to get your share back.

Updated October 8, 20263 sources[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

The short answer

## What should I do about a tax refund taken for debt?

Your refund can be cut to pay old federal taxes, past due child support, other federal debts, state income tax or some state unemployment debts. A notice shows where the money went.

**If a debt offset reduced your refund, the Bureau of the Fiscal Service mails a notice showing the amount and the agency.**[Source: IRS: Topic 203, Reduced refund](https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc203)

If the IRS used it for an old tax bill, the IRS mails you a notice. If another agency got it, the Bureau of the Fiscal Service sends one.

On a joint return, if your refund paid your spouse's debt, you may get your part back with Form 8379, injured spouse relief.

On a payment plan or in CNC status, the IRS still applies future refunds to your tax debt.

## Key facts

* The offset notice and the agency named
* Whether the debt is yours or your spouse's
* Your original refund amount
* Whether you are on a payment plan
* The BFS line: 800-304-3107 if no notice came

## Options that may help

**Injured spouse relief**

File Form 8379 to get your share of a joint refund back.

**Dispute the debt**

Follow the notice to dispute with the agency that took it.

**Set up a plan**

A plan stops some collection, but refunds still go to the debt.

Results depend on your situation. Not every case qualifies.

## Common questions

How long does Form 8379 take?

Up to 8 weeks if filed alone, and longer if filed with your return.

Source: [IRS: Injured spouse relief](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/injured-spouse-relief)

Should I call the IRS about a state offset?

Only if the refund amount on the notice differs from your return. The IRS doesn't get the offset details.

Source: [IRS: Topic 203, Reduced refund](https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc203)

## Sources

1. [IRS: Topic 203, Reduced refund](https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc203)
2. [IRS: Injured spouse relief](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/injured-spouse-relief)
3. [IRS: Payment plans and installment agreements](https://www.irs.gov/payments/payment-plans-installment-agreements)

General information, not tax or legal advice. You can contact the IRS yourself for free at [irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov).

Run the numbers with our [free tax tools](/tools), like the penalty and payment plan math.