The IRS shouldn't tell you to expect thousands of dollars on your tax return, and then at the last minute, apply it all to back child support. I was really expecting this money. I know my ex-wife could use it right now, but I've been paying my child support religiously. There were a couple of bad years that got me into this situation, but I HAVE been paying it. My son is 20 years old, and in college, so it's not really "child" support anymore is it? I have little kids now that could really use this money. I am more upset with the deception of the IRS than anything else. They should have told me this before they gave me a direct deposit date. Since it's April 1st, I'll chalk this up to a cruel April Fool's joke by the IRS. Oh well...Back to barely getting by. That check would have been nice though. I guess I can throw that list of things I wrote down that we needed. I suppose it's better to be thankful for what I "have", as opposed to being depressed over the things I don't. It's just immensely disappointing. A break would have been nice for a change, you know? One little break to get ahead. Is that too much to ask? Apparently...