If the refund website indicates there will be an offset to your federal refund and you have already called, you can expect a notice from the IRS that will explain the offset. The information below also explains how to respond to the IRS if you believe this offset is an error.
According to the IRS website:
"BFS (Bureau of the Fiscal Service) will send you a notice if an offset occurs. The notice will reflect the original refund amount, your offset amount, the agency receiving the payment, and the address and telephone number of the agency. BFS will notify the IRS of the amount taken from your refund once your refund date has passed. You should contact the agency shown on the notice if you believe you don't owe the debt or if you're disputing the amount taken from your refund. If you don't receive a notice:
- Contact the BFS's TOP call center at 800-304-3107 or TDD 866-297-0517, Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST.
- Contact the IRS only if your original refund amount shown on the BFS offset notice differs from the refund amount shown on your tax return."
You can also visit their website at this link: IRS Topic Number: 203 – Refund
Offsets
