How to stop Washington ESD from taking my tax return for overpayment

You can request a waiver if you believe the overpayment wasn't your fault or if paying it back would cause financial hardship. Washington ESD has specific forms for this - you need to act fast though because there are deadlines.

Same thing happened to my brother last year. He tried calling Washington ESD for weeks but could never get through. The phone lines are always busy and when you do get connected they hang up on you after being on hold forever.

You need to appeal the overpayment determination first before they can take your tax return. Did you file an appeal within 30 days of getting the original overpayment notice?

The Washington ESD overpayment system is ridiculous. They make mistakes all the time but expect us to pay for THEIR errors. I'm still fighting an overpayment from 2022 that makes no sense whatsoever.

If you're facing financial hardship, definitely apply for the waiver. I got mine approved last year because paying back $3200 would have put me behind on rent and utilities. You have to show proof of your expenses though.

I used claimyr.com last month when I needed to talk to Washington ESD about my claim status. Got through in like 20 minutes instead of calling for days. Might be worth trying for your overpayment situation.

Check your original claim carefully. Sometimes they count income incorrectly or apply it to the wrong weeks. I found an error where they counted my vacation payout as regular wages for unemployment purposes.

whatever u do dont ignore it completely. my friend did that and they took his whole refund plus penalties. at least try to work something out with them

Here's what you need to do step by step: 1) Request a detailed breakdown of the overpayment calculation, 2) File an appeal if you believe it's incorrect, 3) Apply for a waiver if you can't afford to pay it back, 4) Set up a payment plan if the waiver is denied. Don't let them just take your tax return without fighting it.

I'm dealing with the same thing right now but for $4100. Been trying to get through to Washington ESD for two months with no luck. The whole system is broken.

Make sure you understand WHY they say you were overpaid. Was it because you worked while claiming? Didn't report income correctly? Or was it their mistake in processing? The reason affects your options.

Time is critical here. Once they submit the tax offset request to the IRS, it's much harder to stop. You need to act within the next few weeks if you got that letter recently.

Also check if you qualify for injured spouse relief if you're married and filing jointly. That can protect part of the refund even if Washington ESD takes some of it.

Document EVERYTHING. Keep copies of all forms you submit, take notes of any phone calls, save emails. If this goes to a hearing you'll need that paper trail.

honestly the whole washington esd overpayment thing feels like a scam sometimes. they make it so complicated to fight and most people just give up

Update: I just helped my neighbor use Claimyr to reach Washington ESD about her overpayment issue. She got through to an actual person who explained the calculation and helped her set up a payment plan. Way better than trying to navigate this alone.

Don't forget you can also contact your state representative's office. They sometimes help constituents with Washington ESD issues when the normal channels aren't working.

Whatever you decide, don't let them intimidate you into just accepting it. You have rights and options. Fight for yourself because nobody else will.

Keep us updated on how it goes! Your experience might help someone else in the same situation.

One last thing - if you end up having to pay it back, ask about setting up a payment plan instead of them taking the whole refund at once. They usually work with you on that.