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Treasury Offset Program

State Agencies in TOP as Debtors:  How to Resolve Debts Owed by States to the Federal Government

Individuals, businesses, and states owe nontax debts to the federal government for various reasons. Examples of debts owed to the federal government can include grant overpayments, loans, overpayments on projects, and debts owed to Medicare. On occasion, an entity's indebtedness to the federal government will become delinquent.

As required by federal law, federal agencies submit these delinquent debts to the Treasury Offset Program (TOP) for interception of eligible federal and state payments payable to the delinquent debtor, a process known as "centralized offset."

State Agencies in TOP as Debtors FAQ

Are payments to you being reduced in order to pay a debt?

If you have received a delinquent debt notice or are missing money from your federal tax refund, paycheck, or federal benefits, you owe a debt. Learn about your options here.

Downloadable Resources

TOP Rules & Requirements
Offset of EAJA Payments
Overview of the centralized offset of payments representing reimbursement of attorney’s fees and costs under the Equal Access of Justice Act.

Last modified 01/31/23