WHERE IS MY TAX REFUND?

For many taxpayers a tax refund is like a bonus. The tax refund is used to fund home repairs, medical bills or other expenses which cannot be covered otherwise. The loss of the tax refund can be catastrophic for some taxpayers. Yet, the loss of a tax refund is fairly common.

→ The IRS can take a taxpayer’s tax refund from one year to pay a tax owed to the IRS for another year. This is known as an offset.

→ Under the Treasury Offset Program the tax refund can be applied to other debts the taxpayer owes to another federal agency or to a state agency, such as for child support.

→ If the tax return is filed more than three years after its due date the taxpayer will lose the tax refund.

→ If the tax return is not filed any tax refund which may have been due will be lost.

WHAT CAN BE DONE IF THE IRS TAKES YOUR TAX REFUND?

The easiest way for a taxpayer to make sure that a tax refund is not taken is to file all tax returns and pay all taxes and other federal and state debts on a timely basis. Since this is not always possible, you should contact a skilled tax lawyer to help you take these steps.

→ File all tax returns as quickly as possible.

→ Determine whether the IRS is acting within the time prescribed by law to collect the tax.

→ Determine whether a portion of the tax refund can be refunded to the taxpayer under the injured spouse relief provisions. These apply when a taxpayer files a joint tax return with a spouse, and the tax refund is taken by the IRS to pay an obligation of that other spouse.

→ Determine the validity of debts owed to state or federal agencies and attempt to resolve them so that the taxpayer can be removed from the offset program.

CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED TAX LAWYER IF YOU HAVE LOST A TAX REFUND

Magda Abdo-Gomez is a former IRS senior attorney. Since leaving the IRS she has been helping taxpayers deal with the IRS and has over 30 years of experience representing taxpayers. Attorney Magda Abdo-Gomez can represent taxpayers in South Florida from her office in Miami. She can also represent taxpayers wherever they are located and has represented clients throughout the United States and Florida.

Call lawyer Magda Abdo-Gomez at 305-559-7478 or contact her online to see how she can help you resolve the loss of your tax refund. Do not give up your money without a fight.