How to find out who offset your refund
The IRS sends you a notice in the mail called a CP-506, which names the agency that took your refund and how much they took. This notice arrives separately from your regular tax return documents, usually within two to three weeks after the offset happens. If you do not receive one, you can call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 and give them your Social Security number and tax year — they will tell you which agency has your money and why.
You can also check the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov, though it does not always show offset details clearly. The tool will show a status of "refund offset" but may not name the specific agency. The CP-506 notice is more reliable because it lists the agency name, the debt type (child support, student loans, federal taxes owed, or state taxes owed), and the exact amount taken.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS mails a CP-506 notice that names which agency took your refund and the amount, arriving two to three weeks after the offset.
- If you do not receive the notice, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 with your Social Security number and tax year to find out which agency has your money.
- The offset could be for unpaid child support, federal student loans, back taxes owed to the IRS or a state, or other federal debts.
- Once you know which agency took the money, you can contact them directly to understand what debt triggered the offset and what your options are.
What the CP-506 notice tells you
The CP-506 is a one-page letter from the IRS that shows the agency name, the debt reason, and the amount offset. For example, it might say "U.S. Department of Education" and "Federal Student Loan Default" with an amount like $1,200. Or it might say "State of California" and "Past Due Child Support" with a different amount.
The notice also includes contact information for the agency that received your money, though you may need to search online for the specific department handling your debt. Keep this notice — you will need it if you want to dispute the offset or set up a payment plan with the agency that holds your debt.
What to do if you did not get a CP-506 notice
Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and the tax year in question ready. The IRS representative will look up your account and tell you which agency offset your refund, the reason, and the amount.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-829-4059. If you speak a language other than English, the IRS has interpreters available — just ask when you call.
Understanding the different agencies that offset refunds
Your refund can be offset by several different agencies, depending on what debt you owe. The most common are the U.S. Department of Education (for defaulted federal student loans), your state's child support enforcement agency, the IRS itself (if you owe back federal taxes), or your state tax authority (if you owe back state taxes).
Less commonly, your refund can be offset for other federal debts like unpaid federal employee overpayments, Small Business Administration loans in default, or amounts owed to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The CP-506 notice will specify which one took your money.
What happens after you find out who offset your refund
Once you know which agency has your money, contact them directly using the information on the CP-506 notice or by searching online for their debt collection department. Ask them three things: what debt triggered the offset, whether you can dispute it, and what payment or settlement options exist.
For student loans, you may be able to request a hearing or enter a rehabilitation program that stops future offsets. For child support, you can ask about payment plans or hardship waivers. For back taxes, the IRS and state tax authorities both offer payment plans and offers in compromise. For other debts, ask what the agency's process is for resolving the underlying obligation.
If you believe the offset was a mistake
If the CP-506 notice names an agency you do not recognize or a debt you do not believe you owe, you have the right to dispute it. Contact the agency named on the notice first and ask them to verify the debt. If they cannot prove you owe it, they must return the money to the IRS, which will then return it to you.
If the agency insists the debt is yours but you still disagree, ask about their formal dispute process. Most agencies have an appeal or hearing procedure. Keep records of all your communications — dates, names of people you spoke with, and what they said — because you may need them if the dispute goes further.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get the CP-506 notice?
The notice usually arrives two to three weeks after your refund is offset. If you have not received it after four weeks, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a copy or ask them to mail another one.
Can I get my refund back if I pay off the debt?
No. Once the offset happens, the money goes to the agency that holds your debt and is applied to what you owe. Paying off the debt afterward does not return the offset refund to you, though it stops future offsets from happening.
What if multiple agencies offset my refund?
You will receive one CP-506 notice for each agency that took money. The notices arrive separately, so check your mail carefully. Each notice will show a different agency name and amount.
Can I stop future offsets?
Yes, but the method depends on the debt type. For student loans, you can enter a rehabilitation program or request a hardship deferment. For child support, you can make payments or request a modification. For back taxes, you can set up a payment plan. Contact the agency holding your debt to learn what options are available to you.
What if I never received a tax refund but got a CP-506 notice?
This can happen if the IRS offset your refund to cover a debt you owe them directly, or if there was an error in processing. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to clarify what happened and whether the offset was correct.