According to the IRS website (specifically https://www.irs.gov/publications/p501), only one person can claim HOH filing status based on the same qualifying person. This is a common issue with co-parents. Your options are: 1) File an amended return using Form 1040-X changing to Single status 2) If you believe you're actually entitled to HOH status based on another qualifying person, gather documentation to support this The IRS has been focusing more on HOH verification in recent years due to high rates of incorrect claims. The sooner you address this, the better your outcome will be.

I would suggest possibly exploring whether you might qualify for HOH through a different qualifying person than your co-parent is using. In some cases, taxpayers might have multiple qualifying dependents. It's also worth noting that the "same address" issue might not be problematic if you and your co-parent maintained separate households within that address and can document this. This is somewhat rare but possible in certain multi-unit dwellings or formally divided living spaces. I'd recommend consulting with a different tax professional for a second opinion before filing an amendment.

Be careful about relying on the TOP phone line for definitive information. There's a known issue where the TOP database updates overnight, so calling at different times of day can give you different results. Also, if your state debt was recently reported (within the last 30 days), it might not consistently show up in their system yet. I'd recommend documenting every call you make - date, time, and what you were told. If your refund does get offset and you believe it was done in error, having this documentation will help with your case.

This situation is like trying to navigate with a broken compass. Last year, my transcript showed no offset codes, the TOP line said I had no debts, but then $1,842 of my refund was still offset for state taxes. When I called my state revenue department, they explained that debts under a certain age (I think less than 60 days) sometimes don't properly register in the TOP system but are still valid for offset. The safest approach is to assume the offset will happen if you know you owe the state, and then be pleasantly surprised if you get your full refund.

Fixed this last month. Called TOP. Found student loan offset. Disputed successfully. Got full refund. Took 17 days total. Keep all documentation. Take names and badge numbers. Follow up regularly. Don't give up. System works if you're persistent.

Back in 2022, I had the exact same issue. The BFS took $3,400 for defaulted student loans I didn't even know about (went to a school that shut down). If you call the Treasury Offset Program quickly, you might be able to request a review before the offset is processed. In my case, I was able to apply for a student loan discharge based on the school closure and eventually got the offset returned - but it took about 3 months. Document everything and act fast!

Anyone else notice how international returns seem to get flagged more often? I filed mine with treaty benefits in February last year and didn't get my refund until JUNE. Can you imagine waiting that long? And why don't they just tell us when they're doing extra verification? Wouldn't that be more efficient than having thousands of people calling and checking daily? I'm convinced the IRS has special filters for non-resident returns that automatically add delays. Did you file with treaty benefits? That's what triggered my endless review.

Your TC 152 code in conjunction with blank transcripts indicates your return is in the Integrity Verification Operation (IVO) pipeline. This specialized processing track evaluates returns with certain characteristics for potential identity verification requirements. For non-resident filers specifically, the IVO processing adds approximately 21-35 additional days to standard processing timeframes. The blank transcript phenomenon occurs because your return hasn't cleared initial verification to populate the IMF (Individual Master File) database that powers the transcript system. This is standard procedure for approximately 37% of international filers based on current fiscal year statistics.

The Treasury Offset Program operates with far less transparency than private debt collection. If this were a private debt, they'd need to validate the debt before collection under the FDCPA. But government debts? They can take your tax refund with minimal notice compared to what would happen with a bank levy or wage garnishment. In those cases, you'd get multiple opportunities to contest before any money was taken. This is why I always recommend keeping refunds minimal by adjusting withholding - better to owe a small amount than to give the government an interest-free loan they might decide to keep.

To clarify a few important points about the Treasury Offset Program: 1. The IRS doesn't make the offset decision - they're just the paying agency that must comply with the TOP system. 2. The agency claiming the debt (likely your state unemployment office) is required to have sent you notice of the debt and your appeal rights before certifying the debt to TOP. 3. You have the right to request proof of the debt from the agency that certified it. 4. If you believe the offset was in error, you must contact the agency that certified the debt, not the IRS. 5. In some hardship situations, you may qualify for a partial refund of the offset amount.