Finding yourself unable to pay child support might have become a problem for various reasons. Perhaps your position was terminated without warning or you are suffering from a serious medical condition that you had no way to see coming. Regardless, the consequences for falling behind can be harsh, from a mental, financial, and even social standpoint. You might be wondering how back child support could affect your tax refund, which is especially relevant with tax season around the corner.
The Office of Child Support Enforcement states that unpaid child support can result in the interception of a tax refund, if the criterion is satisfied. During the processing of tax refunds, people who have fallen behind on child support payments are pinpointed and their tax refund is withheld, either partially or entirely. Funds that are withheld are then transferred to state agencies to cover delinquent child support and those who owe payments receive a notice. This is yet another reason why people who are required to pay child support should strive to avoid delinquency, although some people may be experiencing financial hardships that make it incredibly difficult to pay on time.
Depending on what you are going through, you might have the option to modify your child support order. This could help you avoid some of these consequences and regain a sense of control and stability in your life. Browse to our page on child support if you want to read more about child support payments and soem other related matters.