Federal Tax Refund Intercept

Enacted: Nov 2009

WHEREAS, the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) recognizes that community corrections professionals are often called upon to enforce court orders for offender payment of fines, restitution and/or fees;

WHEREAS, payment of restitution is an important aspect of victim recovery and assists in the process of healing;

WHEREAS, many probation departments across the country must fund a percentage of their operations and staff with revenues from fee collections while significant amounts are never collected;

WHEREAS, imposing a tax return intercept regulation that is legally enforceable by courts of law is an effective method of collecting such unpaid debts;

WHEREAS, imposition of a tax refund intercept program would enhance public trust in courts, court orders and community-based corrections and provide financial recompense for crime victims;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the American Probation and Parole Association supports federal legislation to enable States to intercept federal tax refunds for payment of obligations under legally enforceable court orders.

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