Hello. I received a notice that my wages and/or tax refund may be garnished. I was given a specified amount of time to submit documentation proving financial hardship which I did. I received notification that my hardship was approved. I also entered into loan rehab program and started making payments on time. I was told that this would prevent any garnishments. I filed my tax return then found out my entire refund was taken. I am a struggling single mom who receives no child support. I was depending on that money to pay bills and survive. I have been researching for days about ways to request a hardship which they say is difficult but possible. Do you know if I have any recourse? I'm desperate and don't know where to turn or what to do. Thank you.

If you owe back taxes but are experiencing financial hardship, the IRS might agree to release your refund rather than applying it toward elimination of your tax debt. You can make a hardship request if your only debt subject to refund offset is federal taxes and if you make the request prior to filing the return for the tax year for which you?re due a refund. The IRS has no authority over non-tax related debts, such as child support or other federal or state agency debts;you may obtain IRS Form 911 from the IRS website. You?ll use this form to request assistance from the taxpayer advocate office. This is an IRS office, but advocates work as an intermediary between taxpayers and the IRS to ensure your concerns are addressed and your case is processed appropriately. This is a free service and you?ll have a direct method to reach your agent, versus using the toll-free IRS call center method of contact. Only taxpayer advocates may process hardship requests for refunds. You need to Submit Form 911 to the local office in person or by fax. The address and fax number for each office is listed in the publication. This opens your case with your Taxpayer Advocate office, and you?ll receive a phone call from your agent when he is ready to start working on your case. Most agents are ready to start your case within two business days of receiving your request