What a levy actually is
A levy is the IRS legally taking property to satisfy a tax debt — most often money straight out of your bank account or a slice of every paycheck. Before most levies, the IRS must send a Final Notice of Intent to Levy (Letter 1058 or LT11) with appeal rights.
The 30-day window matters enormously
From the date on that final notice, you generally have 30 days to request a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing. Filing that request on time typically pauses levy action while your case is heard — which is exactly the breathing room needed to put a resolution in place. Miss the window and options narrow considerably.
A levy can often be prevented — or released
Payment plans, hardship (currently-not-collectible) status, and other arrangements can stop a levy before it lands. Even after a bank levy hits there's a short window (funds are held 21 days before being sent) where action is sometimes possible. Speed is everything — bring the notice in the same week you receive it if you can.
What we do
Free, confidential review of your notice — same-day evaluation in most cases. We identify the exact notice, the deadline, and every legal option, and if you engage us we file the right responses and deal with the IRS directly. Hablamos español.
Common questions
Can the IRS empty my bank account?
A bank levy attaches to the funds in the account the day the levy is received. The bank holds them 21 days before sending them to the IRS — a short window where a release is sometimes possible. Preventing the levy beforehand is far better than chasing it afterward.
Can the IRS take my whole paycheck?
A wage levy is continuous and takes a large portion of each check, leaving you an exempt amount based on your filing status and dependents. It stays until the debt is resolved or the levy is released — another reason to act before it starts.
I got LT11 — how long do I have?
Generally 30 days from the letter's date to request a Collection Due Process hearing. Don't measure from when you opened it — measure from the printed date, and act immediately.
This page is general information, not tax advice for your specific situation — that’s what the free review is for. We never promise specific outcomes; options depend on your facts.