POSSIBLE offset… help!

[Paris]

The following are 2 posts I made on the college investor website but did not get a good answer… if anyone has been through this, please help, thanks:

I found out last minute that I was about to be put on an offset list by the DOE. I found out on Jan 27th which is also the same day I filed. They said I was going on the offset list on feb 6th. Unless I pay the debt in full by then or get approved for the loan rehab and make an eligible payment by the 30th. I talked to several different ppl there and was told different each time. I over-nighted the paper work and paid $100 by the 29th. They did however say the rehab paper work takes 10 days to be reviewed before approval. One rep said they send over offsets every Friday & the TOP takes 3-4 weeks to update their database. So my question is, can my taxes still be offset if I already filed, I have EITC, and my name won’t be turned over for offset until the 7th? Or will the offset not show up until after my funds have been sent to me?

I’ve googled this stuff backwards and forwards trying to find a similar situation but can’t. All the personal comments I have read all have either started a rehab program before tax season or just coming out of rehab. Which says to me that they were on the offset list well before tax season. I haven’t seen anything about someone being put on the offset list during tax season and after filing. It’s driving me crazy not knowing. I was told by the last person I spoke with from the DOE (a supervisor) about the fact that the TOP takes 3-4 weeks to update their systems. I haven’t been able to find any solid proof regarding that, except the fact that some peopIe reported receiving their full refunds while being on the list. But if it’s at all true about the update time, I would be in the clear (until next year, which I plan to be out of default by then) since they wont turn my name over until the 7th. I have called the offset check line multiple times and nothing is found for my SSN on options 1 & 2. One DOE rep said to check the offset line after the 7th to see if I show up… he literally said “everything is up in the air as of now…” –stressful

[Felicia]

Hey Paris,

I get it. And I couldn’t find that info either. I was on the phone with dept of Ed for days. I was told you have to be in rehabilitation for 6 months. I also was told I was ok and year two…offset to pay off the debt.
Sorry to say it!

[Paris]

Felicia,

Sorry to hear that happened to you! I seriously just want to know as opposed to being told “maybe” — “most likely” — “possibly” — The DOE is excellent at using their super vague vocabulary. So, did you go through the exact same thing though, because I’ve been trying to find someone who has. Like I said, it’s being told to me that I am not on any offset list until Feb 6th. The Treasury Offset Program will not see me as eligible for an offset unless the DOE puts me on that list, so it’s literally in their hands. I just hope they take my recent payments into consideration which I’ve been told they should. Lets hope:)

[Paris]

Thanks for the info @Samantha & @Black Non-tax Guy! — @Jomas, I have already called and nothing for my SSN, I even tried talking to a rep on the offset line and she said there’s nothing she can do for me because I am not nor have I ever been in their system… she wasn’t even allowed to answer any of my questions without me being in their system. Also, I made a call to the DOE again earlier and spoke to someone with a little more sense and honesty. She said everything will be fine and that my loan rehab paper work should be approved by the 6th, she seen it pending on my acct. & because I’ve already made a payment in Jan and about to make another one for February this week, she said that works in my favor and most likely will not be placed on the offset list this Friday. So I’ll be calling in again to check on my paper work but I have hope everything will work out. Thanks again:)

[Felicia]

Hey- I will be honest. This happened to me. They took it two years in a year. The second year was savage because I DID enlist in rehab program. I’m sorry to say, they will offset your refund this year for sure. Nothing you can do.

[Jomas]

Call the offset line 18003043107 to see if you have an offset

[Greywall]

What the fuck did I just attempt to read

[Black Non-Tax Guy]

I have some news that while it may not alleviate you now, you may find solace down the road. I found out I was offset last year. My refund was garnished and I was left with my jaw on the floor. Whatever! I didn’t care to fight it or even care about the rehabilitation and just decided to let them garnish every year until satisifed. Then today, Feb. 3rd, I inquired about the process. Called Reliant Capitol Solutions(Company that handles EoD debt) and was plesantly satisfied. Every month in the beginning, you can pay three months ahead!!!!! That means that 9 month program can be completed in 3 months!!!!! Enough time to file by the April 15th deadline!!!! I’m telling you this because in the agreement you must sign, if you scroll down to line 10, second bulletin point, you’ll read something that will make you smile. In so many words it stated any INVOLUNTARY payment made by way of offset will be refunded to the address on your account. So check that out. You just may be garnished, but at least the opportunity to get it back is there. For me, that means im getting last years refund as soon as I complete the process. And if i get garnished this year, I’ll be getting that back too. So don’t lose hope. Fight for your money and in the end you’ll be happy!!!

[Samantha]

I was to be offset this year through the DOE and it took me about 9 months to complete the process of getting off their offset list. I would have suggested that you made sure you weren’t offset before you filed. When you call offset line it’s the option 2 where you’d hear info about student loans and if the line says you have no offset you should be good for now but I’d be calling a million times everyday knowing me haha Also let me throw out there that I’m pretty sure you have to be like a year late on payments for them to even start offset process … you can see this info on your credit report. I use credit karma and they show days late and everything. Also you should have received a letter stating that you will be offset and wages and stuff can be taken from you. Since you’ve already filed at this point I would just cross your fingers and hope for the best. Hopefully your stuff will be processed before the offset is. Also, I can tell you that during my situation processing times through the DOE ranged from 2 weeks to 30 days. Due to the processing I really feel like you’ll be okay this year. I really hope everything goes right for you and after you receive your refund I would totally get on the process of getting rid of offset so you’re safe for next year. There are so many options to get on payment plans and what not, you’ll find something that works for you. Hope I’ve helped in someway! Lastly let me add that after I completed my consolidation process the DOE informed me that Action Financial (collection company that had my loan and who did my consolidation) committed fraud against me as I payed them to complete consolidation and it’s illegal for them to charge me for that as it is a free process. I had no idea until just recently when this woman informed me so just wanted to share… do not give them any money if you’re dealing with them! Good luck!

[Erica]

@Paris, you may want to try this thread: https://igotmyrefund.com/forums/topic/offset-disalowed/

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