This answer is partially incorrect. The hospital bills can be paid for directly from the state tax. Most states have laws that allow the state treasury to take state tax refunds to give to hospitals for debt. I know because they take mine every year. It s the state agency that sends me a notice that says my tax has been seized in payment of a debt. The hospital never sends a receipt for the payment. It isn't a bank interception. It has nothing to do with the bank. So in response to the original question, yes- your tax can be taken to pay hospital bills. However, your federal tax is less likely to be at risk, unless a previous seizure order is in place for a federal debt (previous tax, loan default, etc.).
Your answer implies if a court judgement isn't already in place, the return is basically safe, when in reality, if you owe a debt, they can take your state tax, then they can get a judgement for the bank and take the rest.
