Tax problems
An IRS wage levy can continue against future pay until it is released, the debt is paid, or collection is otherwise resolved. We help verify the notices and account, identify urgent deadlines, and prepare accurate financial information for the appropriate collection discussion.
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Employees, working business owners, commissioned workers, and households whose employer has received an IRS levy on wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, or similar compensation, including people who need to document immediate economic hardship or restore filing compliance.
We prioritize the active levy and gather the notice, recent pay information, household expenses, bank statements, returns, and transcripts. Communications and representations are limited to the tax matters and periods authorized.
A wage levy is not the same as a private creditor garnishment, and release is not automatic. Employers have legal obligations under the levy; employment-law questions should be directed to counsel.
Protect sensitive records. Do not send tax documents, Social Security numbers, bank records, IDs, or other sensitive files through ordinary email. Call the office before transmitting sensitive records.
An IRS wage levy is federal and is not the same procedure as a Florida court garnishment by a private creditor. The amount exempt from an IRS wage levy is determined under federal rules and the current IRS Publication 1494 table, so Florida garnishment assumptions should not be applied without legal analysis. A Deerfield Beach or other Florida employer that receives the federal levy has duties stated in the IRS form. Safe Harbor Accounting can review the tax account and financial support; questions about employment rights or an employer's legal obligations should be referred to counsel.
Usually no. Unlike a one-time levy on a bank balance, a levy on wages or salary generally continues against later pay until the levy is released, the liability is paid, or another qualifying resolution changes the collection action.
The employer generally uses the federal exemption table in the current Publication 1494 and the Statement of Dependents and Filing Status included with the levy. It is not simply the amount claimed on Form W-4, and the taxpayer should follow the form package's short response instructions immediately.
A release may be required if the IRS determines that the levy creates immediate economic hardship by preventing payment of basic, reasonable living expenses. That determination requires complete financial disclosure and supporting records, and release does not cancel the underlying debt.
Do not assume they will. A federal tax levy follows federal levy and exemption rules. If a state-law, employment, ownership, or support issue may also be involved, a Florida attorney should evaluate that legal question.
No. The employer should follow the levy unless the IRS issues a release or other controlling instruction. The engagement focuses on obtaining accurate account information, documenting the taxpayer's circumstances, and pursuing the appropriate IRS process without asking the employer to disregard the form.
Primary sources
Use these links for current agency guidance, forms, and filing information.
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