Can a Creditor Intercept My Tax Refund?

Since many bankruptcy filers end up filing soon after getting their tax refund back, they are often curious as to whether any of their creditors can seize the refund before it gets to them.  For many, the only way to afford the fees to file bankruptcy is by using that tax refund money.  Only state and federal agencies can intercept a tax refund.  So normally, only the IRS or possibly ORS will have the right to take that money.  However, if a creditor has a judgment against you, they could seize that money as soon as it enters your bank account since creditors with judgments have the right to do a garnishment on your bank account.  It may be a good idea not to have it directly deposited if this is the case.Adam Brown is a bankruptcy attorney for Dexter & Dexter, a debt relief agency helping people file for bankruptcy.