IRS Wage Garnishment – A Serious Enforcement Action 

The IRS has legal authority to garnish your wages through a wage levy if you have an unpaid tax debt and do not respond to its collection efforts. However, wage garnishment is generally not the first step in the collection process.

Before the IRS can levy your wages, it must generally:

• Assess the tax and send you a bill.
• Issue notices requesting payment.
• Send a Final Notice of Intent to Levy and inform you of your right to a Collection Due Process hearing.
• Allow time for you to respond before the levy takes effect.

If you’ve received a Final Notice of Intent to Levy, it’s important to act quickly. Responding before the deadline may preserve additional rights and provide more opportunities to resolve your tax debt before your wages are affected.

Even if your wages are already being garnished, that doesn’t necessarily mean your options have run out. Time is of the essence in this situation.  Depending on your circumstances, it may be possible for me to have the levy released or modified by working with the IRS. This could involve establishing an installment agreement, demonstrating financial hardship, requesting Currently Not Collectible status, or pursuing another appropriate resolution.

As an Enrolled Agent, I can review your situation, explain your rights, communicate directly with the IRS on your behalf, and work to identify the best solution for your circumstances. Every case is different, and the sooner we become involved, the more options may be available.

My goal is not only to help stop or prevent unnecessary collection actions, but also to resolve the underlying tax issue so you can move forward with confidence.

If you’ve received an intent to levy notice—or your wages are already being garnished—don’t wait. Contact me as soon as possible so we can evaluate your options and develop a strategy to protect your rights and work toward resolving your tax debt.