State is garnishing my tax refund, can federal refund be garnished as well?

[hcluva]

I have a past debt from a cell phone bill through the university telecommunications office. Today I received a letter from the state that notified me that they were taking my state tax refund. My question is, can they also take my federal refund as well (since the school is considered part of the state)? Thanks.
Yes, I received a notice that they are taking my state tax returns to offset my state debt. The cell bill is considered a state debt b/c it is through the state university where I attended during undergrad.

[chatsplas@sbcglobal.net]

Your income tax is not being garnished.
Are you sure this cell phone debt is why your state tax refund is being grabbed (does it say so, did you call)? Do you have any school loans in default, past due child support or past-due taxes? If this is considered state debt, then yes, your state refund can and will be used to offset state debt.