Did you take out student loans? Dial before you file!

Did you know that if you are in default on your student loans, the Department of Education can take your federal tax (IRS) refund? The IRS had stopped doing this for a while after COVID, but they are now doing it again. You can find out if your tax refund will be taken by calling the Treasury Offset Program’s automated info line at 1-800-304-3107.

If you call that number and it says you have a debt, get it sorted before filing your tax return, or otherwise your refund will get taken! Remember, your refund could also be taken for overdue state tax debts, child support, Social Security overpayments, and unemployment overpayments.

You can learn more at this website https://studentloanborrowerassistance.org/tax-refund/ and if you need help dealing with your student loan debt in Philadelphia, try calling Community Legal Services at 215-981-3700.

When you are ready to file your tax return, remember that there are FREE options that you can find at getyourrefund.org and at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers.

And, as always, if you have a problem with the IRS or the PA Department of Revenue, contact us to see if we can help! Call our intake at 215-981-3800 between 9:30am and 12pm Monday through Thursday or apply online at philalegal.org/apply.