Collections & Refunds FAQs
- What does a tax warrant mean?
A DWD tax warrant is a legal document issued by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) when an employer fails to pay unemployment insurance taxes or related debts. The tax warrant acts as a lien against the employer’s property and allows the state to collect the unpaid amount through various means.
Key points about a DWD tax warrant:
1. It is filed with the county clerk and becomes a public record.
2. The warrant gives the state the authority to collect the debt by seizing property, garnishing bank accounts, or working with the county sheriff.
3. Additional fees and interest may be added to the original debt.
4. The warrant must be paid in full (including any sheriff’s fees) before it is released.
Employers who receive a tax warrant should address it promptly to avoid further legal action or additional costs. Payment must be made through the county sheriff’s office. Do not send payment for liabilities in an active tax warrant directly to DWD.
- Credit Memo and Refund voucher questions: when is it processed? when will I get it? why did I get this?
You received an employer Credit Memo because the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) determined that your account has a credit balance—meaning you overpaid your unemployment insurance taxes or have an unused credit balance. Before DWD can issue a refund, you must complete, sign, and return the Credit Memo to confirm your request and verify your information. If a Refund Voucher has been received it means that a refund request has been submitted typically through a third party of via ESS
Key points:
- The Credit Memo and/ or the Refund Voucher is a required step to process your refund.
- DWD will not issue the refund until they receive your completed and appropriately signed memo or voucher.
- Refunds take a minimum of 60 days to process after you return the voucher.
If you have questions or need help, contact the DWD Employer Call Center at 1-800-891-6499.
- I have a "clearance issue". What is it and what is the quickest way to handle it?
Generally, if an entity wishes to conduct business with the State of Indiana, a letter of clearance must be obtained from the Department of Workforce Development. The clearance requests use the FEIN of the entity. If the FEIN is used on more than one account, all accounts utilizing the same FEIN must be clear. An entity cannot have any missing quarterly contribution reports or have any outstanding liability to obtain a letter of clearance.
Once the entity has resolved the clearance issue, they can contact the State Agency they are attempting to conduct business with and have them resubmit the clearance request through the normal process. If an entity wishes to obtain a letter of clearance, they can submit the request via ESS.
- How do I get a refund of my overpayment?
To request a refund from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) as an employer, follow these steps:
Request a Refund in Uplink ESS:
- Log in to your Uplink ESS account.
- If you have a valid credit on your account, you can request a refund directly through ESS. This is the preferred and prescribed method by DWD.
If You Cannot Use ESS:
- If you are unable to request a refund via ESS, you should contact DWD by phone at 1-800-891-6499 or in writing to initiate your refund request.
Refund Process:
- Once your request is received, DWD will review it.
- If approved, they will mail you a refund voucher to complete and sign.
- After you return the signed voucher, DWD will process the refund through the Indiana Comptroller’s Office.
- Refunds may take up to 60 days to be issued.
Time Limit:
- Refunds must be requested within four (4) years of the date the payment or assessment was made.
- Credits older than four years cannot be refunded or applied to future assessments.
Tip: Always monitor your account regularly to ensure any valid credits are refunded or applied before they expire.
