If you owe certain debts and have a judgment against you, don't expect that refund check from the Internal Revenue Service. In a process known as interception, the IRS can apply your refund toward payments of particular debts. If you're in danger of an interception, you can reduce the withholding amounts on your paycheck so that an IRS refund intercept is less likely. Of course, you then might owe the IRS money.
Acceptable Judgments
If you've got a credit card or similar judgment against you, the IRS won't keep your refund. By law, it can only apply your refund to student loan defaults, child support judgments and income tax-related debt. The IRS notifies you before it keeps your money, so you have the opportunity to request a hearing or provide evidence that the debt is paid or is not the correct amount. When filing a joint return, remember that a refund can be partially intercepted by a debt owed by one of you.
References
Writer Bio
Jane Meggitt has been a writer for more than 20 years. In addition to reporting for a major newspaper chain, she has been published in "Horse News," "Suburban Classic," "Hoof Beats," "Equine Journal" and other publications. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from New York University and an Associate of Arts from the American Academy of Dramatics Arts, New York City.