How to avoid getting your taxes taken by student loans?

Form 8379 lets you (the "injured spouse") get back your portion of a jointly-filed refund if it's seized or offset to pay your spouse's debt.

You must file jointly to use this form. Filing an 8379 will delay your federal refund by up to 14 weeks.

To file this form in TurboTax:

1. Open or continue your return.
2. In the search box, enter injured spouse and then select the Jump to link in the search results.
3. Answer Yes to Do you want to claim innocent or injured spouse relief? and carefully follow the onscreen instructions.

Note: Pay close attention to the screens, as some of them apply to innocent spouse relief, which is different. Leave those questions blank if you only want to claim injured spouse relief.

This article will guide you through the process.

I am single and have had my tax refund offset and completely taken every year for the last few years. I am in critical financial strain,  about to lose my home, my daughter is diabetic and has supplies and back medical bills piling up.  Is there anyway I can have just part of my refund offset???

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@Amberscherff wrote:

I am single and have had my tax refund offset and completely taken every year for the last few years. I am in critical financial strain,  about to lose my home, my daughter is diabetic and has supplies and back medical bills piling up.  Is there anyway I can have just part of my refund offset???

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You would have to speak with the Lender

Hi. Are they taken the money this year??

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@Babushka18 wrote:

Hi. Are they taken the money this year??

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The IRS is not taking refunds for student loans during the first part of 2022. President Joe Biden recently extended the student loan payment pause and collections hold through May 1, 2022. That means the Department of Education will not start taking tax refunds until May 2, 2022 — unless Mr. Biden extends the freeze once more.