Follow the explanation attached to the reduction
Keep the offset notice with the joint return and the refund record. Identify the original refund, the stated reduction, and the agency information shown by the communication. A smaller refund does not by itself explain which person’s debt was involved or which process should be considered. Use the actual notice to determine the question and the relevant official contact instructions.
Distinguish allocation from other spouse-relief subjects
IRS injured spouse relief information concerns a share of a joint refund applied to a spouse’s debts and sets out requirements and a request process. It is a different subject from innocent spouse relief involving joint-return tax responsibility. Neither label can establish eligibility from a brief household description. Assemble the return and supporting income records for the relevant review, keeping sensitive information secure. If a request is prepared, retain its version and submission trail, and avoid treating an expected allocation as a determined refund.