One of the worst things you can experience, next to having to pay taxes, is finding out that the IRS plans to keep your tax refund. Millions of Americans are unaware that the government can seize control of their money for a variety of reasons. The news that you will not be getting that highly-anticipated refund can be a blow to families who are already struggling with regular bills. According to the IRS website, there are a lot of ways to lose your tax refund.

Defaulted Student Loans

Many college students are in debt long before they graduate from a college or a university with a student loan. After graduation, it can take former students years to pay back this money. In some cases, they are never able to repay the money. The moment you default on a student loan, the IRS has legal rights to take your tax refund to put towards the money you owe them.

Back Child Support

Neglected to pay child support recently? The government can take your taxes and give it to the child’s guardian. Child support agencies will report you to the IRS if you stopped making payments or if you have never paid child support at all.