TFM: An administrative offset is the withholding of money payable to a financial institution or held by the U.S. federal government to satisfy a debt the financial institution owes the U.S. federal government. Administrative Offset is not synonymous with Administrative Wage Garnishment or Centralized administrative offset.

Gold Book: As defined in Title 31 CFR part 240, an administrative offset, also referred to in this document as offset, is the withholding of funds payable by the United States (including funds payable by the United States on behalf of a State government) to, or held by the United States for, a person to satisfy a claim or debt.