IRS code 898: Refund applied to a non-IRS debt
- Effect:
- Reduces your refund
Part or all of your refund went to a debt you owe another agency.
What code 898 means
Code 898 means the Bureau of the Fiscal Service took part or all of your refund through the Treasury Offset Program. It posts with the date of the refund it came from and reduces that refund.
Offsets can pay past-due child support, federal agency non-tax debts, state income tax obligations and certain state unemployment compensation debts.
The Fiscal Service mails a notice showing your original refund, the amount taken and the agency that received it. The IRS doesn't get those details.
What to do
- If you disagree with the debt, follow the instructions in the Fiscal Service notice and contact the agency named in it.
- If you didn't get the notice, call the Bureau of the Fiscal Service at 800-304-3107.
- If you filed a joint return and the offset was for your spouse's debt, you may be able to get your share back by requesting injured spouse relief.
Codes often seen with 898
Questions about code 898
Who do I contact about an 898 offset?
The agency named in the Fiscal Service notice, if you disagree with the debt. Contact the IRS only if the refund amount on that notice differs from the refund on your return. If you didn't get a notice, call the Bureau of the Fiscal Service at 800-304-3107.
Source
IRS title: BFS TOP Offset (Document 6209, Section 8A, page 8A-35).
Decode your whole transcript
Paste your transcript lines and see every code explained. Runs in your browser.
Decode a cycle code
Turn an 8-digit cycle like 20261505 into the posting week and day.
More transfers and offsets codes
TTOC Finder is independent and isn't affiliated with the IRS. This page explains what the code means in general. For your own account, check your IRS online account or Where's My Refund?