Your paycheck, back in your hands.
An IRS wage levy takes part of every paycheck until it is released. We move quickly to contact the IRS, show why the levy should come off, and put a resolution in place so your pay can go back to paying your bills.
Illustration only. Whether and when a levy is released depends on your situation, and the IRS makes the final decision.
Is this you?
Wage levies move fast, and every payday counts. Reach out if any of these sound familiar.
A final notice arrived
You received a final notice of intent to levy, and the 30 day window is running.
Your employer got an IRS form
HR or payroll told you they received a Form 668‑W with your name on it.
Your paycheck came up short
A large part of your check is going to the IRS, and it keeps happening every payday.
The basics are at risk
After the levy, what is left does not cover rent, groceries, or getting to work.
It does not stop on its own.
Unlike a one time bank levy, a wage levy repeats every payday. Only part of each check is protected, and the rest goes to the IRS until the levy is released.
A wage levy stays in place from one paycheck to the next until the balance is paid, other arrangements are made, or the levy is released.
Part of each check is protected, based on the standard deduction and your dependents, using the IRS table in Publication 1494.
You have three days to return the exemption statement. If you do not, the protected amount is figured as married filing separately with no dependents.
States garnish wages too, with their own rules and forms. We handle state garnishments as well.
When the IRS must let go.
The law requires the IRS to release a levy in certain situations. Our job is to show which one applies to you, and to prove it.
- The balance is paid, or the collection period ended before the levy was issued.
- An installment agreement is in place, unless its terms say otherwise.
- The levy creates an economic hardship, leaving you unable to meet basic living expenses.
- Releasing the levy will help you pay the tax.
- Final notice of intent to levyLetter 1058, LT11, or CP90 gives you 30 days to request a Collection Due Process hearing on Form 12153.
- Levy served on your employerYour employer receives Form 668‑W with Publication 1494, the table used to figure the protected amount.
- Statement of exemptionsYou list your filing status and dependents and return it within three days.
- Every paycheck, until releasedYour employer sends the levied amount to the IRS each payday until Form 668‑D arrives.
An equivalent hearing can still be requested within one year of the notice date, although it does not lead to Tax Court review.
From levy to release.
Five steps, with one point of contact the whole way through.
- 1
Fast case review
We look at the notice, your pay stubs, and the levy to see where things stand and how quickly we need to act.
- 2
Power of attorney and transcripts
With Form 2848 on file, we speak to the IRS for you and confirm the balance and the collection history.
- 3
Build the path to release
Hardship status, a payment plan, or another resolution. We prepare the financial statement that supports it.
- 4
Request the release
We contact the IRS and ask for the levy to be released, so Form 668‑D can go to your employer.
- 5
Keep it released
We keep the arrangement current, keep your filings on time, and watch for new notices.
What to know right now.
A few facts that matter the most when a levy is on the way or already in place.
The notice deadline counts
A Collection Due Process hearing must be requested by the date on the final notice, usually 30 days.
Return the exemption statement
Sending it back within three days protects the right amount of your pay based on your family.
A release needs a plan
The IRS usually releases a levy when a resolution is in place, such as a payment plan or hardship status.
What we do for you.
An Enrolled Agent leads your case, with the same person handling it from the first call to the final result.
We move quickly
Every payday counts. We prioritize levy cases and reach the IRS as soon as your power of attorney is on file.
We deal with the IRS directly
You do not have to negotiate with the IRS or explain the situation to your employer alone.
A path, not just a pause
We put a resolution in place that fits your budget, so the levy does not come back.
State garnishments too
If a state tax agency is garnishing your wages, we work with that agency as well.
About wage levies.
The questions we hear most. Anything else, ask us during your free case review.
How much of my paycheck can the IRS take?
Part of each check is exempt, based on the standard deduction and the number of dependents you claim, using the table in Publication 1494. The rest can be levied.
How long does a wage levy last?
It continues until the balance is paid, other arrangements are made, or the levy is released.
Will a payment plan stop the levy?
The IRS is generally required to release a levy once an installment agreement is in place, unless the agreement says otherwise.
I pay court ordered child support. Does that count?
It can affect how much of your pay is protected. Tell us about it during the review so it is taken into account.
The way forward.
A release usually comes with a resolution. These services build it.
Installment Agreements & Payment Plans
Structured monthly plans negotiated with the IRS or the state.
View serviceRelated serviceCurrently Not Collectible Status
A pause on collection when paying would leave you unable to cover basic living expenses.
View serviceRelated serviceTax Lien & Levy Resolution
Strategy to release or prevent federal and state tax liens and bank levies.
View serviceEvery payday counts. Let us act now.
Send us the notice or your latest pay stub. The first case review is free and confidential.
Free case reviewNo obligationOne point of contact