I can claim my mother as a dependent but she has defaulted student loans. Can the IRS withhold my refund?

Question

She lives with me full time, has no income, and I fully support her. Up to this point I've never claimed her but I've been told I can.

Answer 1

The IRS transmits a payment voucher with YOUR name and SSN to the Treasury department's FMS (Financial Management Service). They FMS (which does not see your tax return) compares the information from the voucher with a database of delinquent debts eligible for collection by offset. Your tax refund won't match your mothers debt.

Jo Blo is mistaken. Parents do NOT have to live with you to qualify as dependents. In your case, that does not matter. For others reading this question, it may.

Answer 2

You can claim her and no the IRS cannot withhold your refund that lists her as a dependent because she (your mom) has an outstanding student loan. You do not owe the loan so they cannot withhold your refund. Claiming her in no way makes you liable for her debt.

Answer 3

No, your refund wouldn't be taken because a dependent had a defaulted student loan.


And yes, it sounds like you can claim her as a qualifying relative assuming that you provide over half of her support.

Answer 4

You can claim her, and in addition you can file as head of household if you are unmarried. You have missed the opportunity to amend your 2003 return, but you can amend 2004, 2005, and 2006 and get refunds.

Your mother's defaulted loans are not debts the government is going to collect from you, as long as your name is not on the loans.

Answer 5

If she owes money they maybe able to keep the refund call the IRS and ask them about this.

Answer 6

they won't hold your refund because of your mother ..