Refund Offset(p18)

If you owe past-due federal tax, state income tax, child support, spousal support, or certain federal nontax debts, such as student loans, all or part of the refund on line 12a may be used (offset) to pay the past-due amount. Offsets for federal taxes are made by the IRS. All other offsets are made by the Treasury Department's Financial Management Service (FMS). For federal tax offsets, you will receive a notice from the IRS. For all other offsets, you will receive a notice from FMS. To find out if you may have an offset or if you have a question about it, contact the agency you owe the debt to.

If you file a joint return and your spouse has not paid past-due federal tax, state income tax, child support, spousal support, or a federal nontax debt, such as a student loan, part or all of the refund on line 12a may be used (offset) to pay the past-due amount. But your part of the refund may be refunded to you if certain conditions apply and you complete Form 8379. For details, use TeleTax topic 203 (see page 26) or see Form 8379.