Yes, your tax refund can be delayed if you owe back taxes. When you have unpaid taxes or an outstanding tax balance, the IRS may apply your refund toward that debt in a process called a tax offset. In addition to tax offsets, the IRS has other tools to collect unpaid taxes, such as a tax levy or bank levy. A tax levy allows the IRS to seize your property or financial assets to satisfy your tax balance, while a bank levy lets the IRS freeze and seize funds from your bank account. To prevent your refund from being delayed, it’s crucial to stay current on your tax obligations and address any outstanding liabilities promptly.