Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Washington

ALL MY INCOME TAX REFUND TAKEN-Will Lose My Home-PLEASE HELP

I am a single mother who has been laid off from my full time job for several months now. I have been searching for a full time job, with not much luck. I have been able to work a few hours a week at a seasonal place in my hometown, but that is about all I can seem to get right now. I filed my income tax a few weeks ago and with that money I planned on paying my mortgage and my electrical and heating bills, which will be turned off soon if I cannot pay. I had just found out today that Edfund, a student loan company, had stopped my refund check before it was even put into my bank account, and took the whole refund in order to pay off my back debt to them. I know they cannot legally, take my refund with out my consent and/or with out it being deposited into my bank account first. I had called my bank and they said there is no indication of my refund even being deposited into my bank account. I have a 15 year old, whom I solely support, our phone has already been shut off, and without that money our heat and electricity will be turned off by next week and worst of all we will not be able to pay our mortgage which will leave us both homeless. What do I [email protected]


Asked on 2/23/07, 11:37 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: ALL MY INCOME TAX REFUND TAKEN-Will Lose My Home-PLEASE HELP

Federal Income Tax refunds can be diverted to pay federal student loans administratively, isn't that gross?

You need to contact social services to find emergency help, and get your house on the market right now in order to avoid a foreclosure.

Yes, this is about as bad as it gets. Be proactive - get the house sold and do not fall for one of those rescue scams.

When you communicate with debt collectors always do it in writing.

The other option you should investigate is bankruptcy.

Hope this helps. Powell

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Answered on 2/23/07, 12:02 pm


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