Enforcement of Support Orders

Federal Tax Refund and Federal Administrative Payment Offset

Information about the parent who owes past-due support is submitted to the IRS and other federal agencies. Any payment the parent is entitled to may be sent to Child Support instead of the parent who owes past-due support. Payments that are subject to a full or partial reversal are held for up to six months before being disbursed. This is due to increases in reversals of previously paid federal payments.

• Collection fees are charged by the IRS for federal tax refunds and for federal administrative payments. Federal administrative payments include refunds, reimbursements, contract amounts, or other irregular payments made to the obligor who owes support. These fees are charged to CSSD and passed on to non-public assistance obligees. 

State Tax Refund Offset

Information about the parent who owes past-due support is submitted to the Department of Revenue. Any payment the parent is entitled to may be sent to Child Support instead of the parent who owes past-due support.

Credit Bureau Reporting

The past-due amount is reported to credit reporting agencies which can affect the credit score of the parent who owes the amount.

Passport Hold

The parent who owes past-due support is not allowed to get or renew his or her passport.

Driver's license, Occupational license & Recreational license (such as a hunting or fishing license)

Intercept Lottery Winnings

Montana Lottery notifies Child Support before paying out winnings of $600.00, and over. If the winner owes past-due support the funds are sent to Child Support.

Freeze and Seize Assets

This includes things like freezing and seizing bank accounts, certain garnishments, inheritances and insurance settlements.

Property Liens

Filing a lien/claim against that parent’s real and titled personal property. This may affect the parent’s ability to sell certain property or get a loan. This applies to property in Montana.