Treasury Offset Program Overview

The Treasury Offset Program (TOP) allows federal and state agencies to collect debts by reducing tax refunds. Common debts include:

  • Past‑due child support
  • Federal student loans
  • State income tax debts
  • Unemployment compensation overpayments

👉See more videos on our channel about LITC Education and how CPA Clinics can help.

 
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Agencies Involved

  • Refund offsets can be triggered by:

    • U.S. Department of Education (student loans)
    • State child support enforcement agencies
    • State tax departments
    • Federal agencies for unpaid debts

Disputing Errors

Taxpayers can dispute offsets if:

  • The debt was already paid.
  • The debt belongs to someone else.
  • The amount is incorrect.

CPA Clinics helps file disputes, gather documentation, and communicate with agencies to correct errors.

Tracking Offsets

  • Taxpayers can track offsets by:

    • Calling the Treasury Offset Program hotline (800‑304‑3107)
    • Checking IRS notices for offset details
    • Using IRS online tools for refund status

Case Example – CPA Clinics in Action

Client Situation:
A single mother’s refund was reduced by $2,000 because of student loan debt she had already repaid. She feared losing her Child Tax Credit refund.

CPA Clinics Response (under LITC program):

  • Reviewed IRS and Treasury notices.
  • Gathered loan payoff documentation.
  • Filed a dispute with the Department of Education.
  • Advocated for the restoration of her refund.

Outcome:
✅ Offset reversed
✅ Refund restored
✅ Client educated on tracking offsets

CPA Clinics & LITC Connection

Through the IRS‑funded Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) program, CPA Clinics provides:

  • Free IRS representation in offset disputes
  • Advocacy with federal and state agencies
  • Guidance on tracking and disputing offsets
  • Multilingual education for ESL taxpayers

CEO Message

“At CPA Clinics, we know refund offsets can devastate families who rely on credits. Our mission is to challenge errors, restore refunds, and protect taxpayer rights. Through the IRS‑funded LITC program, we provide this help free of cost — ensuring families keep the money they deserve.”

-Arjumand J. Khan
CEO, CPA CLINICS

Contact Us – We’re Here to Help

📞 Phone: (516) 464‑7444
📧 Email: info@cpaclinics.com
🌐 Website: www.cpaclinics.com
📍 Locations: Bronx, Manhattan, Hempstead, Hicksville

Key Takeaway

Refund offsets are often confusing, but taxpayers don’t have to face them alone. With CPA Clinics’ free help under the LITC program, families can understand offsets, dispute errors, and protect their refunds.