About Us

Who is ODR?

ODR is the Office of Debt Recovery, a division of the Louisiana Department of Revenue authorized to collect outstanding debt owed to Louisiana state agencies, parishes, municipalities, boards & commissions.

How does ODR work?

When your debt is turned over, ODR pursues collection in the same manner as if it were tax debt. What collection methods does ODR use?

ODR pursues debt collection with the following methods:

  • REFUND AND PAYMENT OFFSETS: ODR is authorized to offset Louisiana state tax refunds and payments to vendors with federal and state contracts.
  • FINANCIAL INSTITUTION DATA MATCH: ODR uses debtor-specific bank information to place levies against funds in debtors’ accounts.
  • WAGE GARNISHMENTS: ODR can garnish up to 25% of a debtor’s wages.

What does this cost my agency?

Nothing! On debts that become final after June 17, 2013, ODR adds a 25% collection fee to the debt balance. You may have to pay the cost of mailing two debt notices before you are able turn the debt over to ODR. When a collection occurs, the payment is split - 80% to the agency and 20% for the ODR collection fee, which ensures that you receive the full balance of what is owed to you.

Does ODR allow payment plans?

Although full payment is preferable, allowing debtors to pay over time is sometimes the only way to ensure collection. ODR will work with the debtor to set up a reasonable payment plan. However, even if they have a payment plan in place, their state tax refund will be offset as long as they have a balance. If a debtor goes 60 days without making a payment, ODR will begin utilizing other collection tools.

Examples of state debt currently being collected:

Vehicle insurance cancellation fines, probation & parole fees, payroll overpayments, unpaid medical insurance premiums & medical bills, parking & speeding tickets, court costs, damages to state property, delinquent sewer & water bills, unpaid city & parish taxes, recoupment of improperly spent grants.

ODR Numbers thru December 31, 2021

  • $300,648,883 Total Collected
  • $90,563,807 Louisiana Tax Refunds Offset
  • 36,230 Wage Garnishments and Bank levies Issued
  • 127 State Entities Participating