How to Get Information on a Government Payment Offset

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By jswana
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (7 Ratings)

Each year, many people have expected Income Tax Returns, Social Security and any other forms of Government payments expected to arrive. They are happily anticipating all the possibilities until they get a letter in the mail stating that there will be money deducted or the whole payment seized for the non-payment of another Federal Government, State or other government entity........

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Phone
Internet (optional)

Step 1

What your Tax Return can be offset for:
*Non-payment of child support
*Overpayment of something in the form of State or Government assistance such as Welfare or Food stamps, Education, etc.
*State or Federal Government Student loan, Parent Plus Loan defaults
Step 2

A person's Social Security Retirement check can also be offset for the same reasons. However, the first $749 of Social Security Retirement benefits cannot be offset, simply because it is not enough, however, if it is a dollar more than $750, the offset process can begin.
Step 3

The Internal Revenue or Treasury Department can be very helpful when you contact them by phone even though the wait is long. All is not lost if you are to be offset because you can attempt to make payment arrangements or at the very least, allow these debts to be removed so that you can start anew.
Step 4

If there is doubt during tax season or if there is any anticipated payment to be received from the Federal Government, call 1-800-304-3107 which is the Treasury Offset Department and they will give you a few prompts and you will be able to find out if you are a candidate for an offset. It's very helpful.
Step 5

Logging on to IRS.GOV is also help, as well as Social Security recipients logging on to SSA.GOV for good information without giving your personal information over the Internet. They will give you answers specific to your case.