Technically they didn't take your tax return, they seized the income tax refund you thought you were owed. A tax return is the 1040 (or similar) form you file w

Technically they didn't take your tax return, they seized the income tax refund you thought you were owed. A tax return is the 1040 (or similar) form you file with the IRS. Regardless of debt collection issues, as a taxpayer it's best to set your withholding so that you don't get a tax refund. A refund essentially means you were giving the government an interest free loan.