Therefore, I was even more shocked and angry to find out that my 2018 tax refund, in the amount of $79.00, was being withheld despite the fact that I had an active Borrower Defense application pending before the Department of Education. Later, I discovered from my attorneys that the reason this happened was because Maximus, a debt collector hired by the Department of Education, didn’t notify the IRS of my application’s status on time. Because of this, my tax refund was taken from me when it shouldn’t have. I also learned from my attorneys that there were many other borrowers, just like me, who also had their 2018 tax refunds withheld to pay for their student loans—all because of Maximus.
Not Receiving My Tax Refund
In 2019, I was working as an assistant manager at Burger King, where I was paid $14 per hour. I regularly worked from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., six days a week. and I was planning on using the tax refund to pay for gas for commuting to/from work. At the time, I was recovering from a workplace injury, unable to work and receiving only limited worker’s compensation benefits. I had recently moved and, because I was short on funds, I had to ask family members for help to cover necessary expenses. Seventy-nine dollars could have been used to pay for my electric bill, a full gas tank or two, most of a car insurance payment, or a month of dog food. Eventually, months later, our tax refunds were returned to all of us, but I can only imagine what other people like me had to go through during that time period.
Starting a Lawsuit
I knew what happened to us was wrong, so I agreed to represent the other student loan borrowers like me in a lawsuit against Maximus. In the case, we asked for money to compensate us for the wrongful withholding of our tax refunds due to Maximus’s failure to notify the IRS of our Borrower Defense applications. It was the first time that I have ever served as a class representative, and I took the role very seriously. I consulted regularly with my attorneys, reviewed materials they provided to me, provided documents and attended my deposition by videoconference (another new experience).
Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
