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Reference code 1021.

BFS part offset

Refund reduced by an offset

See how long people with this situation waited, from their transcripts.

Check my refund

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What it means.

The IRS manual's wording:

BFS part offset, check mailed more than 4 weeks ago

What to do.

Part of the refund paid a debt through the Treasury Offset Program. The Bureau of the Fiscal Service mails a notice with the agency and amount; 800-304-3107 tells you which agency. Call the IRS only if the refund on that notice differs from your return.

How refund offsets work

Codes in the same group.

Questions people ask

What does reference code 1021 mean?

Part or all of the refund went to a debt. The IRS manual's own wording is quoted on this page.

What should I do about code 1021?

Part of the refund paid a debt through the Treasury Offset Program. The Bureau of the Fiscal Service mails a notice with the agency and amount; 800-304-3107 tells you which agency. Call the IRS only if the refund on that notice differs from your return.

Sources

Checked against these sources on October 30, 2026.