If you have an offset, your refund(s) will be reduced by that amount before it is sent to you (via direct deposit, check. etc.)

The Treasury Offset Program is a centralized offset program, administered by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service's Debt Management Services (DMS), to collect delinquent debts owed to federal agencies and states (e.g., past-due child support),

How does the TOP work?

-  If you owe a delinquent debt to a government agency, that agency sends information about your debt to our database.

-  Before you receive a federal payment, the database is searched to see if you owe a delinquent debt.

-  If your debt is in the database, Fiscal Service will offset (reduce or withhold) your federal payment to pay your debt.

When your payment is taken, a letter will be sent to you regarding the action.

You can also call toll free: 1 (800) 304-3107 to find out if you have an offset and for what.