{"id":354028,"date":"2022-08-19T07:44:46","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:44:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/wage-garnishment-faq.html"},"modified":"2023-10-12T10:29:01","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T15:29:01","slug":"wage-garnishment-faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/wage-garnishment-faq.html","title":{"rendered":"Can a Tax Attorney Help with IRS Wage Garnishment?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Can a Tax Attorney Help with IRS Wage Garnishment?<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/balrina-ahluwalia-esq\/\">Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/laura-temme-esq\/\">Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            October 12, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>A tax attorney can be crucial in handling IRS wage garnishment, as they have the expertise to negotiate with the IRS and potentially ease the terms of your tax debt. They can work towards reducing the garnished amount, or even stopping it through negotiations for an installment agreement or an offer in compromise. If the garnishment is incorrect or causes severe financial hardship, a tax attorney can help present your case to the IRS on appeal.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n<p>Wage garnishment may occur for various reasons. One of those is to settle a debt for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/federal-taxes\/what-are-back-taxes-.html\">back taxes<\/a>. If you\u2019re facing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Internal Revenue Service (IRS)<\/a> wage garnishment, this can be a stressful time. However, a solid understanding of your rights and options can help you take control of your financial situation.<\/p>\r\n<p>A tax attorney can be instrumental in this. They can negotiate with the IRS and help resolve your tax debt under more favorable terms.<\/p>\r\n<p>In this article, we explore the fundamentals of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/wage-garnishment-laws.html\">IRS wage garnishment<\/a> and some of the ways a tax lawyer can be invaluable to you at this time. But first, let\u2019s make sure we understand exactly what IRS wage garnishment is.<\/p>\r\n<h2>IRS Wage Garnishment<\/h2>\r\n<p>In general, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/garnishment-of-wages.html\">wage garnishment<\/a> is when a portion of your paycheck is taken by your employer to pay off a debt. With many types of wage garnishment, your employer needs a court order to garnish your wages. For example, an employer needs a court order to garnish wages for <a href=\"http:\/\/findlaw.com\/family\/child-support\/child-support-enforcement.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">child support<\/a> or alimony.<\/p>\r\n<p>With unpaid taxes, however, the IRS can garnish your wages without a court order. We call this IRS wage garnishment or a &quot;wage levy.&quot; It\u2019s a type of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/wage-garnishment-faq.html#:~:text=a%20tax%20levy%20on%20your%20wages\">tax levy<\/a>, which refers to the IRS\u2019 legal authority to seize your property for the satisfaction of a tax debt.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Other types of IRS levies may include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Taking money from your bank account<\/li>\r\n<li>Seizing and selling your property<\/li>\r\n<li>Garnishing a portion of your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/basics\/what-is-social-security.html#:~:text=What%20Are%20The%20Benefits%3F\">Social Security benefits<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>With IRS wage garnishment, your employer sends a portion of your income each pay period directly to the IRS.<\/p>\r\n<h2>How Does It Work?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Wage garnishment is typically a last resort for the IRS after other debt collection attempts have failed. Prior to garnishing wages, the IRS will likely file a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/federal-taxes\/what-is-a-tax-lien-.html\">tax lien<\/a>, which is just a legal claim against a taxpayer\u2019s property.<\/p>\r\n<p>Before garnishing your wages, the IRS will send you several notices. If the taxpayer doesn\u2019t respond or pay, the IRS will send a final notice of intent to levy (garnish) wages. This notice gives you 30 days to appeal or pay the federal tax owed.<\/p>\r\n<p>If no resolution is reached, the IRS sends a wage garnishment order to your employer.<\/p>\r\n<p>The employer must then withhold a portion of your wages and send it to the IRS until one of the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The debt is paid off<\/li>\r\n<li>You make alternative arrangements with the IRS<\/li>\r\n<li>The statute of limitations expires<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/what-is-the-irs-statute-of-limitations-or-deadline-for-action-on-.html\">statute of limitations for collecting a tax debt<\/a> usually expires ten years from the date the tax was assessed.<\/p>\r\n<h2>How Much Will the IRS Garnish?<\/h2>\r\n<p>The amount garnished depends on your filing status and number of dependents. The IRS uses a specific <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/exemption.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">exemption<\/a> formula to determine the amount.<\/p>\r\n<p>The IRS must allow you to retain enough <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/disposable-income.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">disposable income<\/a> to cover basic living expenses. As such, taxpayers earning <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/minimum-wage-and-overtime-basics.html\">minimum wage<\/a> or close to it may have little to no wages subject to garnishment due to exemption calculations.<\/p>\r\n<h2>How an Attorney Can Help<\/h2>\r\n<p>The federal laws surrounding IRS wage garnishment are tricky to navigate. But it\u2019s important to remember that you have rights and options.<\/p>\r\n<p>An experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-lawyer-resources\/10-reasons-to-see-a-tax-attorney-for-help.html\">tax attorney<\/a> or wage garnishment lawyer can help you understand what the IRS can and cannot do. They\u2019re also experienced in tax relief options that you may not be aware are available to you.<\/p>\r\n<h3>IRS Negotiations<\/h3>\r\n<p>Tax attorneys are skilled at negotiating with the IRS. They may be able to reduce the amount being garnished or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/how-to-stop-irs-wage-garnishment.html\">stop the garnishment altogether<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Under certain circumstances, they can negotiate an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/federal-taxes\/the-irs-installment-agreement.html\">installment agreement<\/a> for you with more favorable repayment terms. This is essentially a payment plan that fits your budget and stops wage garnishment.<\/p>\r\n<p>Alternatively, they might secure something called an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/federal-taxes\/what-is-an-offer-in-compromise-.html\">offer in compromise<\/a> (OIC) to stop wage garnishment. This allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. Obtaining an OIC can be a complex process, but it might be your best course of action.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Appeals<\/h3>\r\n<p>If you believe the garnishment is unfair or incorrect, legal representation can be critical to stop wage garnishment. A lawyer experienced with tax laws can be your most important ally in the appeals process.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Financial Hardship<\/h3>\r\n<p>If the garnishment causes you severe financial hardship, a tax attorney can help you prove this to the IRS. With success, this could lead to a reduction or pause in the garnishment process.<\/p>\r\n<p>They can identify the most compelling supporting documentation to send to the IRS with the required forms. This may include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/rules-for-landlords-and-property-managers-when-evicting-a-tenant.html\">Eviction notices<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Utility bills<\/li>\r\n<li>Medical bills<\/li>\r\n<li>Proof of dependents\/their needs<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Along with this evidence and a detailed explanation of your financial situation, your attorney will also provide assurance that your <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/return.html#:~:text=Constitution%20art.%20I%22%5D-,5,-%3A%20a%20formal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tax returns<\/a> are filed and up to date.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Chapter 13 Bankruptcy<\/h3>\r\n<p>Depending on the circumstances, you may also want to discuss filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy with an attorney. This is a big decision that may not be for everyone, but it can provide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/what-is-bankruptcy\/ask-a-lawyer--can-bankruptcy-stop-wage-garnishment-.html\">significant relief from wage garnishment<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>When a taxpayer files for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/chapter-13\/pros-and-cons-of-declaring-bankruptcy-under-chapter-13.html\">Chapter 13 bankruptcy<\/a>, an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/what-is-bankruptcy\/the-automatic-stay-stopping-creditors-with-bankruptcy.html\">automatic stay<\/a> goes into effect immediately. This halts IRS wage garnishment and the collection of most types of debt, including credit card and student loan debt.<\/p>\r\n<p>If this sounds like an option you may want to explore, consider speaking with a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">qualified bankruptcy attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Future Garnishments<\/h3>\r\n<p>A tax attorney can also help you avoid future tax problems by advising you on how to stay compliant with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax.html\">tax laws<\/a>. They can help you understand your tax obligations and how to manage your finances better.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Getting Legal Advice<\/h2>\r\n<p>It can be overwhelming to learn you may be facing IRS wage garnishment. But it doesn\u2019t have to ruin your life.<\/p>\r\n<p>It is, however, important you explore your options sooner rather than later. This is because the IRS can start garnishing your wages rather quickly.<\/p>\r\n<p>Consider enlisting the help of a trusted advocate. You <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-is-the-attorney-client-privilege.html\">can share the specifics of your situation confidentially<\/a> with them and determine your best course of action.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/taxation-law\/?fli-dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Findlaw\u2019s directory of dedicated tax attorneys<\/a> can help get you started. Just click on your state to view contact information for lawyers well-versed in wage garnishment. You can also narrow your search results by city if you prefer.<\/p>\r\n<p>Either way, don\u2019t go it alone. It\u2019s critical to make informed decisions at this difficult time.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n    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class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    You may need a certified public accountant (CPA), enrolled agent (EA), or a tax attorney for your tax issues or IRS concerns\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" 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