Yes they can if they have filed the correct offset paperwork with the taxing authorities in a timely manner. Check with the child support division in your state to see where you stand.
My return was 18550 that and my car accident settlement would of put me over the top by 12 grand but all of a sudden childsupport claims they never received anything even though I have. A letter from them saying they took it all what can I do
@downnbrown85 TurboTax cannot help with refund offsets for child support. TurboTax never knows if you owe child support, nor does TT know if the IRS seizes your refund to pay the child support. This is a matter between you and the local or state agency that is controlling your child support order, and the IRS.
https://www.irs.gov/uac/tax-refund-offsets-pay-unpaid-debts
IRS Treasury Offset Program Call Center at 1-800-304-3107
https://www.irs.gov/uac/tax-refund-offsets-pay-unpaid-debts
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/refunds/help/what-is-a-refund-offset/00/26301
Reduced Refund https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc203
NOTE: You can contact the IRS Treasury Offset Program Call Center at 1-800-304-3107 to ask if they have an offset for you on file. TurboTax would not have that information.
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/tax-payments/who-can-garnish-an-income-tax-refund/L7cPPzDyc
TurboTax does not receive feedback from the IRS regarding money that was offset from your refund. If you owed back taxes or child support, you will receive a letter of explanation from the IRS in several weeks. The WMR site will contain a message regarding your offset. It is also possible that the IRS caught a mistake you made and reduced your refund.