{"id":354013,"date":"2025-03-19T14:18:17","date_gmt":"2025-03-19T19:18:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/how-to-stop-an-irs-tax-levy.html"},"modified":"2026-03-23T09:01:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T14:01:55","slug":"how-to-stop-an-irs-tax-levy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/how-to-stop-an-irs-tax-levy.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Stop IRS Collections, Liens, and Levies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Stop IRS Collections, Liens, and Levies<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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You can stop <\/span>IRS collections<\/span>, liens, and levies by responding quickly to IRS notices<\/span> and requesting a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing within 30 days of receiving a Final <\/span>Notice<\/span> of Intent<\/span> to Levy. This hearing automatically halts collection actions<\/span> while you negotiate payment options<\/span> like installment agreements<\/span>, an Offer in Compromise<\/span>, or Currently Not Collectible<\/span> status<\/span>. Working with a tax attorney can help protect your rights and secure the best resolution for your tax debt<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Receiving a notice from the IRS about a tax debt<\/span> can be terrifying, especially when it mentions collections, liens, or a levy on your assets. These are serious threats, and you should take them seriously. The good news is that you have rights and options to help you put a stop to the government\u2019s collection activity<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This article examines and explains the powerful tools the Internal Revenue Service<\/span><\/a> has at its disposal. We will also discuss your options for resolving your outstanding tax debt<\/span>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re currently dealing with aggressive collection action<\/span> by the IRS, consider contacting a local tax attorney<\/a>. They\u2019ll help protect your rights and, if necessary, negotiate a payment plan<\/span> or settlement on your behalf.<\/p>\n

The Internal Revenue Service<\/span>\u2019s Power To Collect Unpaid Taxes<\/span><\/h2>\n

Once the IRS determines you owe a tax debt<\/span>, it has powerful tools to collect that money. If you ignore the initial notices, the process will escalate to aggressive measures such as\u00a0filing a public lien<\/a>\u00a0against your property or levying a lien on\u00a0your bank account<\/span>. Methods include:<\/p>\n