ESD seized my tax refund for overpayment but case resolved in my favor - how to check if garnishment lifted?

You need to specifically request a \

Thank you so much! I had no idea there was a separate process for this. I'll try calling that specific number with the option you mentioned. Really hope I can get it resolved before filing taxes this year.

i had similar problem in 2024. they took almost $1700 even tho i was already on a payment plan!! make sure u get WRITTEN proof when they release it. dont trust verbal confirmation!!

Oh wow that's concerning! Did you ever get your refund back after they took it? And how long did it take to get the written confirmation?

This is extremely common with ESD. The system that flags accounts for Treasury Offset (tax refund garnishment) is completely separate from their main benefits system. Here's what you need to do:\n\n1. Request the Release of Treasury Offset as mentioned above\n2. Get written confirmation of the release\n3. Contact the Dept of Revenue directly (they're the ones who actually process the offset)\n4. Verify with BOTH agencies that your account is clear\n\nThe most important thing is documentation. Get case numbers, names, and confirmation in writing from everyone you speak with.

this happened to me to!! i did all that and still took me 3 months to get my $$ back. ESD blamed rev dept and rev dept blamed ESD lol

THEY DID THIS TO ME IN 2023 AND NEVER GAVE MY MONEY BACK!! Been fighting it for over a year now, even though my case was cleared. Complete disgrace how they treat people who actually qualify for benefits. The whole system is designed to frustrate you into giving up.

I'm so sorry you went through that! If you haven't tried it yet, contact your state representative. My sister had a similar issue with ESD taking her refund wrongfully, and her state rep's office got it resolved in about 3 weeks after she'd been fighting for months on her own.

I've been helping people with this exact issue for the past few years. The key is understanding that ESD's Treasury Offset Program (TOP) is managed separately from benefit determinations. Even though your overpayment case was resolved, the TOP notification likely still exists.\n\nHave you tried using the secure message system in your eServices account? Send a message specifically requesting \

I never thought about using the secure message system - great idea! And thanks for the Claimyr suggestion. After spending hours on hold yesterday (and getting disconnected twice), I'm definitely willing to try something different. I'll check out that video.

Just to add a bit more info - you should also request a \

That's incredibly helpful - I had no idea I could request a Statement of Account. I'll definitely ask for that when I call. Would you happen to know if there's a specific department I should ask for when requesting this document?

my cousin works for dept of revenue (not esd) and she says they get TONS of complaints about this exact thing. esd doesnt tell them when to remove the garnishment flags so ppl get their refunds taken even if they dont owe anything. its a huge mess every tax season!!!

That's exactly right. I've worked with dozens of clients who've had this issue. The core problem is that the Treasury Offset Program uses a different database than the main ESD benefits system. They're supposed to reconcile them regularly, but it often doesn't happen without direct intervention from the claimant.

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at ESD after using Claimyr (thanks for that suggestion). The agent confirmed my garnishment flag was STILL ACTIVE despite my appeal being decided in my favor 6 weeks ago! She said she's submitting an urgent request to have it removed, and I should receive written confirmation in 7-10 business days. So relieved I checked on this before filing taxes! Will update again when I get the confirmation letter.

Glad you got through! Make sure to follow up if you don't receive that confirmation letter within 10 business days. And definitely contact the Department of Revenue directly to verify the hold has been released on their end before you file your taxes. The two systems don't always update simultaneously.