Imagine opening your paycheck only to discover a huge portion missing—seized by the IRS. That’s not just a nightmare—it’s the reality for thousands of taxpayers every year. Wage garnishment is one of the most aggressive collection tactics the IRS uses, and it doesn’t stop until your tax debt is resolved.
Fortunately, there are proven, legal ways to stop wage garnishment fast—and in many cases, get the IRS off your back permanently.
This guide breaks down exactly how wage garnishment works, what your rights are, and how Anderson Bradshaw Tax Consulting helps you end garnishment and resolve your debt efficiently.
What Is IRS Wage Garnishment?
IRS wage garnishment (also called a wage levy) allows the IRS to legally seize a portion of your paycheck to collect unpaid taxes. Unlike private creditors, the IRS can garnish wages without going to court.
Once they’ve sent you proper notices, they can order your employer to withhold part of your wages—every pay period—until the full debt is paid or you take action.
Key facts:
- Garnishment can leave you with barely enough to cover essentials—often less than half your normal pay.
- The IRS will continue garnishment indefinitely until you resolve your tax debt or prove financial hardship.
- Employers are required by law to comply—refusal can result in penalties.
How Much of Your Paycheck Can the IRS Take?
The IRS calculates garnishment based on your filing status and number of dependents, but the exemption is minimal. Unlike most states, the IRS does not follow wage garnishment caps that limit how much can be taken.
Example: If you’re single with no dependents, you might be left with only a few hundred dollars per paycheck to cover housing, food, transportation, and more.
For many taxpayers, this level of garnishment causes immediate financial strain—missed rent, utility shutoffs, or inability to support family.
How IRS Wage Garnishment Starts: The Process
IRS wage garnishment can be a complex process, but it can be simplified into 3 steps:
- Tax Debt Accrues: The IRS sends multiple notices about unpaid taxes.
- Final Notice of Intent to Levy: This is your last chance to act before garnishment begins.
- Wage Garnishment Order Sent to Employer: If you don’t respond in 30 days, your employer is ordered to withhold part of your wages.
Anderson Bradshaw can intervene at any stage, but acting before the garnishment starts gives you more options and better outcomes.
Immediate Steps to Take if You Receive a Garnishment Notice
- Do NOT Ignore It: Time is critical. Ignoring the IRS will not make the problem go away—it will get worse.
- Contact a Tax Professional Immediately: Tax professionals understand IRS procedures and can initiate relief faster than going it alone.
- Organize Your Finances: Have information ready about income, expenses, and assets to determine relief options.
Legal Ways to Stop Wage Garnishment
1. File for a Collection Due Process (CDP) Hearing
If filed within 30 days of your Final Notice, a CDP hearing halts garnishment while you negotiate.
2. Apply for an Offer in Compromise
Offer in compromise allows you to settle your tax debt for less than what you owe. Acceptance halts garnishment and clears your IRS balance.
3. Establish an Installment Agreement
A structured payment plan can pause garnishment and give you control over repayments.
4. Prove Financial Hardship (Currently Not Collectible)
If garnishment leaves you unable to cover basic living expenses, you may qualify for hardship relief, suspending IRS collections entirely.
How Anderson Bradshaw Tax Consulting Gets Results
- Over 30 Years of Experience: Navigating complex IRS cases nationwide.
- Dedicated Tax Advocates: Assigned to each client for personalized attention.
- Rapid Intervention: Ability to stop garnishments within days through direct IRS engagement.
- Transparent Process: Clients receive clear timelines and expectations—no surprises.
Don’t Let the IRS Drain Your Paycheck—Take Action Now
Wage garnishment is terrifying—but it’s also completely manageable with the right support. Whether you’re facing garnishment now or fear it’s coming, Anderson Bradshaw Tax Consulting offers proven, fast relief that protects your income and helps you resolve your tax debt for good.
For further information or to schedule a consultation, please contact Anderson Bradshaw Tax Consulting at 877.550.3911 or visit www.AndersonBradshawTax.com to learn more.
