can the trustee take tax refund

Hi!
Welcome to the forums!
Well, it depends on several factors. If your tax refund amount is sufficient enough to compensate the time to disburse the money amongst your creditors and collection agencies, then it can be taken away by your bankruptcy trustee. Much will also depend on your state law. Another thing, if you have got the refund for Earned Income Credit, then it may be exempted in your state. This implies that you can keep the money with yourself. Again it varies from state to state.

These are questions you should be asking your attorney. Have you had your 341 meeting yet? Depending on how much you are getting back, the trustee may well want it.