IRS Wage Garnishment
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IRS WAGE GARNISHMENT PALM HARBOR
Whether you work at a restaurant on US 19 or a resort in the area, an IRS levy on your wages can quickly upset your budget. If you are retired, the IRS may also be able to levy certain other income, including some retirement and Social Security payments.
How wage levies work
Your employer must send part of your pay to the IRS. The levy generally continues until it is released.
Ways to seek a release
- Pay the balance
- Set up an IRS payment plan
- Show that the levy causes economic hardship
- File any missing returns
What to do today
Find your levy notice and recent pay stubs or benefit statements. Then call us. With your authorization, our IRS tax representation lets us contact the IRS for you.
We would love to hear from you. Fajardo & Associates serves Palm Harbor from our Orlando office, and we work with clients by phone and online, so you can stay close to home. Call 407-720-7220 or send us a message to make an appointment.
What Is an IRS Wage Garnishment?
An IRS wage garnishment, also known as a wage levy, allows the IRS to require your employer to send part of your wages directly to the government to satisfy unpaid tax debt.
Unlike many creditors, the IRS generally does not need a court judgment before issuing a wage levy. Once your employer receives the levy, they are legally required to withhold a portion of your paycheck until your tax debt is resolved or another agreement has been reached.
Unlike a bank levy, which is generally a one-time seizure of funds, an IRS wage levy continues from paycheck to paycheck until the levy is released or the tax debt has been resolved.
Understanding IRS Audits & Tax Debt
Many taxpayers assume IRS audits only affect wealthy individuals or large corporations. In reality, individuals and small businesses are selected for audit every year. Returns may be selected because of unusual transactions, missing forms, discrepancies in reported income, or information that does not match documents received from employers, banks, brokerage firms, or other third-party reporting sources.
After your tax return is processed, the IRS compares it against information received from W-2s, 1099s, mortgage lenders, brokerage statements, and many other information returns. When discrepancies are found, the IRS may assess additional tax, penalties, and interest before mailing notices requesting payment.
For many taxpayers, the greatest risk is not an audit—it is allowing unpaid tax debt to accumulate after IRS notices have been ignored.
Don't Ignore IRS Collection Notices
If you fail to respond to IRS notices, the collection process becomes progressively more serious. Interest and penalties continue to grow, and the IRS may eventually pursue collection actions such as:
- Federal Tax Liens
- Bank Levies
- IRS Wage Garnishments
- Offset of Future Tax Refunds
Options That May Stop an IRS Wage Garnishment
Receiving collection notices does not automatically mean your wages will be garnished. Depending on your financial circumstances, several IRS resolution options may be available.
- Installment Agreement
- Offer in Compromise
- Currently Not Collectible (CNC)
- Collection Due Process Hearing
- Penalty Relief (when applicable)
- Professional IRS Representation
Why Acting Early Matters
Many wage garnishments can be avoided simply by responding before the IRS begins enforced collection. In many situations, taxpayers can qualify for an installment agreement or other collection alternative that stops more aggressive IRS enforcement actions.
Addressing your tax debt early often allows you to negotiate payment arrangements that are significantly easier to manage than having a substantial portion of every paycheck withheld through an IRS wage levy.
Filing accurate tax returns, maintaining organized records, and responding promptly to IRS correspondence remain the best ways to avoid serious collection activity.
Don't Wait Until Your Paycheck Is Garnished
If you've received IRS collection notices or a Notice of Intent to Levy, now is the time to explore your options. Early action may prevent wage garnishments, reduce penalties and interest, and provide more flexible solutions for resolving your tax debt.
Contact us today to discuss your situation and learn which IRS resolution options may be available before collection activity becomes more aggressive.
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IRS Wage Garnishment Palm Harbor - Tax Expert Palm Harbor
Certified Public Accountant and Tax Expert Serving Palm Harbor, Florida.