The IRS Is Taking Money Out of Your Paycheck — We Can Stop It
IRS Wage Garnishment Relief | Enrolled Agent Peter Kici | Same-Day Consultations Available
Discovering that the IRS has contacted your employer and is garnishing your wages is one of the most stressful financial experiences a person can face. Beyond the financial hit, it’s embarrassing and can affect your standing at work. The IRS can leave you with barely enough to survive on — and they will keep taking it until the debt is paid or someone stops them.
We move quickly on IRS wage garnishments. Once you authorize representation with Form 2848, we contact the IRS on your behalf — typically the same day or the next business day — and present the case for release. The IRS makes the final decision; our job is to put the strongest case in front of them as fast as possible.
📞 Call (407) 531-8705 — Stop Your Wage Garnishment Now
How IRS Wage Garnishment Works
An IRS wage garnishment — technically called a “continuous wage levy” — continues automatically every pay period until one of the following happens:
- The full tax debt is paid off
- The levy is released by the IRS
- The collection statute of limitations expires
- You enter into an approved payment arrangement
How Much Can the IRS Take From Your Paycheck?
The IRS uses a formula based on your filing status and number of dependents to determine how much of your wages are exempt from garnishment. Everything above the exempt amount is sent directly to the IRS. In practice, this can mean the IRS takes 50% to 70% or more of your take-home pay — leaving you unable to cover rent, utilities, food, and other basic expenses.
This is intentional. The IRS designs the levy to create enough financial pressure that you are forced to resolve the underlying tax debt. Working with a licensed representative is the fastest and most effective way to end that pressure.
Your Employer’s Role — And Why It’s Awkward
Your employer receives an IRS Form 668-W — a notice of levy on wages. They are legally required to comply immediately. They must calculate your exempt amount, withhold everything else, and send it to the IRS. Most employers handle this discreetly, but the situation is inherently uncomfortable. The sooner we resolve it, the sooner this is behind you at work and at home.
How We Release an IRS Wage Garnishment
Installment Agreement
The most common path to a wage levy release is an approved installment agreement with the IRS. Once a payment plan is in place, the IRS is required to release the wage levy. We negotiate the terms directly with IRS Collections to get you a monthly payment you can actually afford.
Offer in Compromise
If you qualify, an Offer in Compromise allows you to settle your entire tax debt for less than the full amount owed. Submitting an OIC suspends wage garnishment while the offer is under review — which can take months, giving you significant breathing room.
Currently Not Collectible Status
If your basic living expenses equal or exceed your income, the IRS may place your account in Currently Not Collectible status. This releases the wage levy and suspends all collection activity until your financial situation improves.
Hardship Release
The IRS is legally required to release a levy that creates economic hardship. We document your income, expenses, and financial situation and present the hardship case to the IRS to secure a release — even before a formal payment arrangement is in place.
Collection Due Process Appeal
If you were not properly notified before the wage garnishment began — or if the IRS made an error — you may have grounds to appeal through the Collection Due Process process. This can result in a levy release while your case is reviewed.
What You Should Do Right Now
- Don’t ignore it. The garnishment continues automatically until someone acts.
- Don’t negotiate alone. The IRS Collections Division is trained to collect, not to be lenient. A licensed representative changes the dynamic completely.
- Call us immediately. The sooner we engage with the IRS on your behalf, the sooner we can stop the garnishment and start resolving the underlying debt.
Frequently Asked Questions — IRS Wage Garnishment
Can my employer fire me because of an IRS wage garnishment?
Federal law prohibits employers from firing an employee for a single garnishment. However, the sooner this is resolved, the better for your professional situation.
How quickly can a wage garnishment be released?
In most cases, once we reach an agreement with the IRS, the levy release is issued the same day or the following business day. We provide it to your employer, who must stop withholding immediately.
What if I just got a new job — will the IRS find me?
Yes. The IRS receives W-2 and income data from employers. Changing jobs does not stop a wage levy — the IRS will serve the levy on your new employer. The only real solution is resolving the underlying debt.
How much of my paycheck is protected?
The exempt amount depends on your filing status and dependents. For most single filers, the exempt amount is very low — often less than $1,000 per month. The rest is taken by the IRS.
How do I know if the IRS has contacted my employer?
Your employer is required to notify you when they receive a wage levy. You may also see the withholding on your next paycheck. If you suspect a levy is coming, call us before it happens — we may be able to prevent it entirely.
Get Your Paycheck Back
You work hard for your income. Having the IRS take a majority of every paycheck is devastating — financially and personally. There are clear, proven paths to stopping it. Call us today for a free consultation.
Schedule Your Free Consultation → | Call (407) 531-8705
Peter Kici, EA is federally licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before all levels of the IRS. Tax Debt Relief Group serves clients in all 50 states.
\n\n\n\n