REFUNDS MAY BE USED TO PAY DEBT

Debts that may be offset include:

• taxes owed the State of Iowa
• taxes owed the Internal Revenue Service
• unpaid child support
• overpayment of unemployment
• fines owed to counties
• unpaid college aid loans
• food stamp overpayment
• TANF / FIP overpayment
• any other debt owed to an Iowa state or municipal agency

Letter Sent to Taxpayer

When a refund is kept by the state to pay debt, a letter is sent to the taxpayer by the agency offsetting the money. For example, when a refund from an individual income tax return is used to pay back child support, the Department of Human Services will send a letter to the taxpayer.

More Than One Debt

A refund or payment may be taken to pay more than one debt; for instance, if a taxpayer owes College Aid money and also has an unpaid county fine. Each offsetting agency has up to 45 days to process their offset.

Remaining Refund

If an entire refund or payment is not needed to pay the debt, the remainder will be sent to the taxpayer. If direct deposit was requested, the remainder will be refunded by direct deposit. It may take up to an additional 30 days to receive the refund after it is released by the offsetting agency.