Yes if you owe the IRS money your tax refund will be offset, and usually if they are aware that you owe them money, they will offset it immediately.
If you owe money to the IRS for prior years taxes, and you have a refund due to you on this year's taxes, the IRS will keep the refund and apply it towards the debt that you owe.
Is where you owe more money
If you owe back taxes to the IRS and the IRS is currently trying to collect from you, you need to resolve your tax issue. The IRS will not stop you from abtaining a passpert or leaving the country unless you are being ivestigated criminally. That would be the work of the CID division of the IRS. They investigate taxpayers who are criminally negligent for defraudung the IRS or criminally negligent on back taxes. Hopefully you are not in this situation. A resolution is an agreement between you and the IRS to pay back the taxes you owe. As long as you have a resolution the IRS will not enforce collections against you. More answers can be found at my blog. wallysworldoftaxes.blogspot.com
One can find advice if one owes money to the IRS by visiting the IRS website. On the site they have 10 tips for Taxpayers who owe money to the IRS. Included in these tips are ways to make payments and applying for additional time.
The IRS will notify you.
April 15th
Debts to the IRS are confidential; the IRS cannot disclose the debt unless they bring a civil suit to get the money.
If you require a tax extension and do not owe any money to the IRS, then you are in good shape. However, if you do owe money to the IRS, then you are still going to have to pay up by the deadline. Even if you want to get a tax extension, you will have to pay at least 90% of what you owe to the IRS ahead of time. The other 10% of what you owe may then be given to the IRS by the tax extension deadline. Be sure to understand the tax extension deadline rules so you do not get into legal trouble with the IRS.
The IRS can actually garnish your wages if you owe back taxes. However, they will work with you on an installment plan if you need it. The IRS wants their money so they will try to give you a discount if you ask for it.
Usually if you owe back taxes, IRS will send you a letter to notify you that you owe IRS money. However, if you are not sure, try to call IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Also you can go and visit an IRS local office (if they get one in your city.) For more information, check the related links below.If you can not read, or understand the different codes, consult with a licensed tax professional such as an Enrolled Agent.
They can send a tax levy to financial intuition. Any money you have in the account will be sent to the IRS