Wage garnishments can be financially devastating, leaving individuals struggling to make ends meet. When the IRS seizes a portion of your paycheck, it can feel like there’s no way out. However, Tax Law Advocates specializes in helping taxpayers stop or reduce wage garnishments, negotiate repayment options, and regain financial control.
If you’re facing IRS wage garnishment, call Tax Law Advocates at 855-612-7777 or visit taxlawadvocates.com for immediate assistance.
What is Wage Garnishment?
Wage garnishment is a legal process that allows the IRS to take a portion of your paycheck to satisfy unpaid tax debts. Unlike private creditors, the IRS doesn’t need a court order to garnish your wages—they have the legal authority to seize your earnings if you have an unresolved tax debt.
How IRS Wage Garnishment Works
1️⃣ The IRS sends a notice – Before garnishing wages, the IRS will issue multiple notices, including a Final Notice of Intent to Levy (Letter 1058 or LT11). This serves as your last chance to respond before garnishment begins.
2️⃣ Your employer is contacted – The IRS sends a wage levy order to your employer, requiring them to withhold a portion of your paycheck.
3️⃣ Deductions are made – The IRS determines the amount to garnish based on your filing status and number of dependents, leaving you with only a portion of your income.
4️⃣ Wage garnishment continues – The garnishment remains in place until the debt is paid, a repayment plan is established, or other legal action is taken.
💡 Fact: The IRS can take up to 70% of your paycheck, depending on your income and financial situation.
Steps to Take if Your Wages Are Garnished
1. Don’t Ignore IRS Notices
Ignoring IRS letters will only worsen the situation. The moment you receive a Notice of Intent to Levy, it’s crucial to take action before garnishment starts.
2. Contact Tax Law Advocates Immediately
If the IRS has already begun garnishing your wages, you still have options. Tax Law Advocates can intervene quickly to halt the garnishment and negotiate an alternative resolution.
3. Request a Collection Due Process (CDP) Hearing
If you receive a Final Notice of Intent to Levy, you have 30 days to request a CDP hearing with the IRS Office of Appeals. This can delay garnishment and give you time to resolve your tax debt.
4. Verify the Wage Garnishment Calculation
The IRS sometimes makes errors in calculating garnishment amounts. Tax Law Advocates will review your case to ensure that your garnishment follows IRS guidelines and is not excessive or incorrect.
How to Stop or Reduce IRS Wage Garnishment
1. Set Up an Installment Agreement
One of the most effective ways to stop wage garnishment is to negotiate an Installment Agreement with the IRS. This allows you to pay off your tax debt in monthly payments instead of having your wages garnished.
✔ Benefits of an Installment Agreement:
- Stops garnishment once accepted
- Provides manageable monthly payments
- Prevents additional enforcement actions
💡 Tip: The IRS prefers direct debit installment agreements, as they ensure timely payments and reduce the risk of default.
2. Submit an Offer in Compromise (OIC)
If you can’t afford to pay your full tax debt, you may qualify for an Offer in Compromise, which settles your tax debt for less than you owe.
✔ Who Qualifies for an OIC?
- Those who can prove financial hardship
- Taxpayers whose debt amount exceeds their ability to pay
- Individuals with no significant assets or disposable income
The IRS only approves a small percentage of OICs, so having a tax professional from Tax Law Advocates dramatically improves your chances of success.
3. Claim “Currently Not Collectible” (CNC) Status
If you’re facing severe financial hardship, you can request CNC status, which temporarily stops collection activities, including wage garnishment.
✔ Who Qualifies?
- Individuals whose income barely covers basic living expenses
- Retirees and low-income earners with no disposable income
- Taxpayers experiencing significant medical or financial hardships
💡 Important: CNC status is not a permanent solution, but it can provide temporary relief while you work with Tax Law Advocates to find a long-term resolution.
4. File for Bankruptcy (Last Resort Option)
Filing for bankruptcy immediately stops IRS wage garnishments due to the automatic stay rule. However, bankruptcy should be a last resort because it has long-term financial consequences.
✔ When Bankruptcy May Be an Option:
- If your tax debt is older than three years
- If you have no other way to pay your tax debt
- If you meet the IRS’s strict bankruptcy discharge rules
💡 Note: Not all tax debts are dischargeable through bankruptcy. Tax Law Advocates can help you explore better alternatives before considering this option.
Why Choose Tax Law Advocates?
✔ We Take Immediate Action – Stopping wage garnishments quickly is our priority.
✔ We Negotiate the Best Outcome – Whether it’s an Installment Agreement, OIC, or CNC status, we find the best solution for your unique case.
✔ We Protect Your Assets & Income – Our experts fight aggressively to keep your money where it belongs—with you.
✔ We Have a Proven Track Record – With thousands of successful cases, we know what works and how to navigate the IRS system.
Take Control of Your Finances – Call Tax Law Advocates Today!
If the IRS is garnishing your wages, don’t wait until you’re struggling to pay your bills. Tax Law Advocates can stop wage garnishment, reduce your tax burden, and provide you with a customized tax resolution plan.
📞 Call us today at 855-612-7777
🌐 Visit taxlawadvocates.com for a free consultation
Take action now and regain control of your finances—we’re here to help!