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June 5, 2019
Question

If I owe back taxes and back child support will the IRS take the back taxes first and the balance to child support? or does child support come out first?

  • June 5, 2019
  • 2 replies
  • 0 views
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2 replies

June 5, 2019

Back taxes are usually first; the IRS handles that itself, but child support comes out thru the Treasury Offset Program (operated by another office in the Treasury Department). The IRS exists to collect taxes; they have to do that before paying child support, even if it is ultimately recouped to pay for government benefits to the child and/or custodial parent (one of the main reasons government is involved in collecting it).

April 23, 2020

I do not think it is right for the IRS to take all of a refund for back taxes. It should be split between them and the Custodial parent. Us Custodial Parents also would like to be paid for the arrears. We are the one raising the tax payers children. Just a thought for the IRS to consider.

May 28, 2025

I always use turbotax for taxes, and child support always takes their cut. But I've never had turbotax charge me leaving my bank account negative because of it. I just had brain surgery and cannot work so my account is in the negative. I have reached out to turbotax to no avail. I understand the irs and child support have to offset payments but why didn't this happen before? How can I remedy this situation when no one is helping me resolve it?

DoninGA
May 28, 2025

@qriv723 

You will have to contact TurboTax support for assistance with this problem. Use the key words Billing Issue


See this TurboTax support FAQ for contacting support - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/account-management/turbotax-phone-number/L0Od33nMQ_US_en_US?uid=lfgviwbm

May 28, 2025

I've tried, they said they can't do any deferment because it was too late...but I contacted them via chat, and phone beforehand as well.