IRS Bank Levy: Your Money Isn't Gone Yet
You woke up and your bank account was frozen. Every dollar you had — gone. The IRS sent a levy to your bank, and your bank held the funds for 21 days before sending them to the IRS. You have a narrow window to act. Don't waste it.
The 21-Day Window
When the IRS levies your bank account, the bank freezes the funds but doesn't send them to the IRS for 21 days. That's your window. I use that time to contact the IRS, negotiate a release, and get your money back before it's gone.
Grounds for Release
The IRS will release a bank levy if it creates economic hardship, if you enter into an installment agreement, if the levy was procedurally defective, or if release would facilitate collection. I determine which argument gives you the best shot and I make it fast.
Preventing Future Levies
Getting one levy released doesn't prevent the next one. We need to resolve the underlying debt. I negotiate a resolution that gets the IRS off your back permanently so you can stop checking your bank balance every morning in fear.
Joint Accounts
If the IRS levied a joint account and your spouse doesn't owe the tax, there are specific procedures to get the non-liable spouse's portion released. This requires quick action and proper documentation.