It’s about that time when all non-custodial parents, who are behind on their child support payments, begin to wonder if they will be getting a refund next year. It’s very disturbing to non-custodial parents when they have tried their best to make payments just to find out that their taxes, either State or Federal, will be intercepted by the Division of Child Support Enforcement. Some may say, “don’t file a refund,” and others may say “pay off your arrears in full”, however the choice is yours to make.

There is a 60 day letter which goes out from the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) notifying the non-custodial parent that their taxes will be intercepted due to arrears owed. For instance, if the custodial parent is receiving Temporary Assistant for Needed Families (TANF) the amount owed must be at least $150. If the custodial parent is not receiving TANF, the amount owed must be at least $500. However, non-custodial parents can do one of the following to avoid their taxes from being intercepted if done in a timely manner: a) contact your local DCSE agency ; b) Set up a payment arrangement prior to receiving a 60 day letter ; c) request an administrative hearing if you disagree with the amount owed; d) pay arrears in full.

It’s so important to prevent tax interception, if all possible make your child support payments monthly. If there is a change in your circumstances file a child support modification immediately.

By: Ajawavi Ajavon, DAB Mediation Consultant, LLC