Each year, taxpayers have a myriad of concerns when tax season approaches. However, if you have fallen behind on child support payments or are worried that you will no longer be able to pay child support, it is especially important for you to understand how that could have an impact on your tax refund. In Lee County, and elsewhere in Florida, unpaid child support can lead to a host of problems that may upend your life.
According to the Administration for Children and Families, your tax refund may be intercepted if you have failed to pay child support. If you are a non-custodial parent who is required to pay child support, you will receive a notice if you have delinquent payments. Depending on the amount of back child support you owe, you may have a portion of your refund or your entire refund intercepted.
Between 1982 and 2013, the Federal Tax Refund Offset Program collected over $35 billion from parents who fell behind on child support payments. In addition to losing tax refunds, missing child support payments can lead to other serious problems. For example, if you have a significant amount of back child support, you could be taken into custody, face financial penalties and even be unable to obtain a U.S. passport. Because of the negative consequences associated with outstanding child support payments, you should try to stay current and may want to consider modifying your child support order.
This post is not to be interpreted as legal advice and was written for general informational purposes.
