TWC identity verification causing $4,000 overpayment - will they take my tax refund?

Yes, TWC can and will intercept your tax refund if you have an outstanding overpayment. This is called the Treasury Offset Program (TOP). However, you have options: 1. Complete the ID.me verification ASAP. Try using someone else's phone if yours is cracked. 2. Call TWC and request a temporary hold on the overpayment while you resolve the identity verification. 3. File an appeal of the overpayment determination (you have 14 calendar days from the date on the determination letter). Don't ignore this - I've seen people lose their tax refunds because they didn't address overpayment issues quickly.

OMG this EXACT same thing happened to me last month!!! I got a $3700 overpayment notice cuz of id verify problems. My advice is DO NOT keep certifying until u fix the id issue bcuz it just adds to the overpayment amount. The tax intercept is real btw!!!! My sister had her whole refund taken last year over a $2100 overpayment that she didnt even know about until it was too late.

Try calling TWC first thing in the morning at 7:01am exactly when they open! That's how I finally got through after trying for weeks. Keep trying ID.me but use a different device maybe?

I had a similar issue with ID.me verification. After multiple failed attempts, I discovered I needed to: 1. Use a different email address (my original one had some kind of flag on it) 2. Make sure I was in a well-lit room for the video selfie 3. Use a computer instead of a phone Once I got through the verification, I called TWC (took 3 days of trying) and they removed my overpayment within 5 business days. As for tax refund intercepts - yes, they can take it, but only if the overpayment is officially on the books when the IRS processes your refund. If you clear up the identity verification before that happens, you should be fine.

my cousin had this problem last year and he just ignored it and they took his tax refund AND now they're garnishing his wages at his new job. TWC does NOT play around with overpayments just fyi

I've been dealing with TWC for over a decade (unfortunately laid off several times in oil & gas). Here's what most people don't know: you can request a WAIVER of the overpayment if it wasn't your fault. Look for Form E-47W on the TWC website. If you can prove you've been trying to verify your identity and the system isn't working properly, you have a good case for a waiver. Also, try going to a local Workforce Solutions office in person - they can sometimes help with identity verification issues.

After 2 weeks of trying to get through to TWC about my identity verification issue, I finally used Claimyr.com and got connected to a TWC agent in about 10 minutes. It was honestly worth it because I was about to lose my mind calling and calling every day. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh The agent I spoke with was able to put a hold on my account while I completed the ID verification steps, which kept my overpayment from getting worse. Might be worth checking out if you're desperate to talk to someone.

Important clarification about tax refund intercepts: TWC has to certify the debt to the Treasury Offset Program, which doesn't happen immediately. Typically, they must send you multiple notices before your debt gets sent to TOP. Additionally, there's processing time involved. If you resolve the identity verification issue quickly (within 2-3 weeks), you can likely prevent the refund intercept. Call TWC's Benefit Overpayment collections department directly at 512-936-3338 rather than the general unemployment line - they can help with setting up payment plans or holds while you resolve the verification issue.

UPDATE: I finally got the ID.me verification to work! Used my roommate's laptop with better camera and made sure to have good lighting. Then I called that direct number for overpayments (512-936-3338) and after about an hour on hold, I got through to someone who was super helpful. They put a hold on my account and said they'll review it within 7-10 business days. They said if everything checks out with my identity, the overpayment should be removed from my account. Fingers crossed my tax refund will be safe! Thanks everyone for all your help!