How do you know if collection agency is going to take your taxes?

i don't think a collection agency is entitled to collect money from your tax refund. First of all the only entities that I have ever known to be able to do so is the government.

if you owe state income tax or if you owe for food stamps or past due student loan debts. those are the people who can take your taxes. otherwise the only thing left for them to do is garnish your wages and that would have to be done through court first and you would have to be notified FIRST and given the opportunity to defend yourself in court. So if it ever comes to that GO TO COURT don't be afraid show the most desperate situation that you do not have the ability to pay back and maybe the judge will sympathize with you otherwise pay attention to your mail and never lose a piece of mail it allows you to read and see what is going on Good luck.