Tax Year Prior to 2020: Tax Topic 203 Is Showing What Does That Means ?

[Cl24]

So, I received the same message as well. But today I was suppose to recieve my refund and got nothing. It still showed my expected refund, but $0  for my adjusted refund. Like everyone else I called the number about the offsets and it said I had none. I'm so confused, this has never happened to me before

[JamesG1]

Did you elect the option to pay-with-your-refund?

This option may also trigger the reference to Tax Topic 203.

See this TurboTax Help.

[Sweetperez24]

Did you ever get an answer on this?

[DaveF1006]

This is a refund offset when an IRS refund is reduced or intercepted to pay off delinquent debt, such as past-due child support, outstanding student loans, or unpaid state income tax.

You'll get an explanatory letter from the Bureau of the Fiscal Service if your refund is offset. The remainder of your refund will be processed as usual; an offset shouldn't delay it, unless of course your entire refund was applied to your debt.

if you haven't yet, you will be notified shortly if your refund has been garnished.

[TDmccarty29]

Did you recieve your refund? 

[LH410]

I got the 203 message. So far I recieved part of my state return and a letter saying they were deducting for a Chicago parking ticket. I have not recieved my federal refund, I expected it on the 7th and it's the 12th. I dont know if or when I will get it. 

[BillM223]

The offsets that are removed from your federal refunds are handled through the Treasury Offset Program. You can read about it at their website.

If you haven't received the letter reporting their action vis-a-vis your refund, you can call the TOP Interactive Voice Response (IVR) at 800-304-3107.

[Cdhardrick]

Got the 203 code today, saying my refund had been reduced, did they take l my refund for tax offset.

[KrisD15]

That code indicates that your refund is being partially offset. 

You can use the link below to find out it there is an offset to your refund.

Offsets

[Bbrown3030]

I am going through this exact thing right now.   I called the number.. nothing showing.. does this mean I won’t get a refund? 

[MaryK4]

You can contact the Taxpayer Advocate Office for assistance.  The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS. They ensure that every taxpayer is treated fairly and that you know and understand your rights. The advocates can help if you have tax problems that you can’t resolve on your own.

See Refunds.

@Bbrown3030

[Lraigar]

How do I find an offset. There shouldn't be one. They kept a stimulus check a while ago for 1100 ish and I let that go. Now again? There is no way I owe more.  

[ErnieS0]

To get info about your refund offset @Lraigar, contact the Bureau of Fiscal Services at 800-304-3107 (or TTY/TDD 800-877-8339), Monday through Friday 7:30AM to 5PM CST.

There are several reasons this may be happening:

1. Did you use any add-on products in TurboTax such as having your tax preparation fees deducted from your refund? If you did, the amount will be different than what is shown in the refund box. TurboTax will show you a screen of your refund net of fees.
2. TurboTax shows a screen for a total refund (federal and state), Some people think this comes in one check, but federal and state refunds come separately,.
3. There was an error on your return and the IRS made an adjustment. The IRS will send you a letter explaining any changes.
4. The IRS sent you a partial refund because it is verifying amounts on your return, such as a stimulus payment amount.
5. There was a refund offset. Your refund can be offset for past-due child support; federal agency non-tax debts; state income tax obligations; or certain unemployment compensation debts owed to a state.

[Dadajazz]

But it says my ddd is Feb 24

[HeatherPLO]

@Dadajazz

We are unable to advise on estimated dates issued by the IRS. If you have Tax Topic 203, please see the article provided by the IRS here: https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc203