• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Philanthropy leader at Warren Buffett and Bill Gates’ Giving Pledge says children of billionaires are pushing them to give their wealth away faster

2

Meet a 71-year-old who retired as a radiologist and professor, and now runs a banana-skewer business: ‘I never want to retire. Why would you do that?’

3

Hilton received 12,000 Gen Z applications for just 72 internship spots—its CHRO says AI has made the hospitality gigs more competitive

1

Philanthropy leader at Warren Buffett and Bill Gates’ Giving Pledge says children of billionaires are pushing them to give their wealth away faster

2

Meet a 71-year-old who retired as a radiologist and professor, and now runs a banana-skewer business: ‘I never want to retire. Why would you do that?’

3

Hilton received 12,000 Gen Z applications for just 72 internship spots—its CHRO says AI has made the hospitality gigs more competitive
FinanceEconomic Stimulus

Stimulus checks will be shielded from some debt, but still not collectors

By
Chris Morris
Chris Morris
Former Contributing Writer
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Chris Morris
Chris Morris
Former Contributing Writer
Down Arrow Button Icon
March 16, 2021, 10:20 AM ET
Google source logo
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Our mission to make business better is fueled by readers like you. To enjoy unlimited access to our journalism, subscribe today.

There’s a new protective shield over the Round 3 stimulus checks, but if you’re heavily in debt, you still might not see the $1,400, depending on who you owe.

The Internal Revenue Service has agreed not to deduct federal tax debts from the most recent economic stimulus payments. But other forms of debt, including state taxes and private lending, are still vulnerable.

Late last year, Congress changed how debts on things like unpaid federal and state taxes, Social Security and Veterans Affairs debts, student loan debt, and child support obligations would be handled. Instead of receiving checks, people facing those obligations would receive a credit on their 2020 taxes instead.

That raised the ire of taxpayer advocates. Erin Collins, who runs the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), an independent organization within the IRS that represents consumers, wrote in a blog post Monday that the IRS had agreed to bypass those offsets, meaning the checks will go directly to people.

The IRS, though, doesn’t have authority over state debts. And there’s still a loophole in the legislation that will allow debt collectors to seize the money. (The change in exemption comes because the relief package was passed via budget reconciliation, rather than as a standalone bill. That let Democrats avoid a possible filibuster by Republicans, but created the opening for collectors.)

Advocacy groups, including the American Bankers Association, are urging Congress to prevent collectors from garnishing the money. And Oregon Senator Ron Wyden (D), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said he intends to file separate legislation to do just that. But time is running out.

Some $1,400 checks are already appearing in people’s accounts—and many big banks say they expect a flood of them to arrive Wednesday.

About the Author
By Chris MorrisFormer Contributing Writer

Chris Morris is a former contributing writer at Fortune, covering everything from general business news to the video game and theme park industries.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Finance


Most Popular

Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • TikTok icon
  • YouTube icon

    Latest in Finance


    Most Popular

    © 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
    FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.