The IRS provides a toll-free number, (800) 304-3107, to call for information about tax offsets. You can call this number, go through the automated prompts, and see if you have any offsets pending on your social security number.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury might pay it for you, with or without your consent. This process is called a “tax offset,” and it’s perfectly legal. Even worse, it can happen year after year until the debt is finally paid off if the total of what you owe is greater than your refund each year.