Quick Answer: How the IRS Decides to Garnish Wages

The IRS garnishes wages after multiple notices go unanswered and the taxpayer remains noncompliant.
Garnishment is typically preceded by balance due notices, a CP504 warning, and a Final Notice of Intent to Levy.
Wage garnishment is not automatic, but it becomes likely when no resolution steps are taken.

How the IRS Decides to Garnish Wages in Florida

Wage garnishment is one of the most disruptive IRS enforcement tools.
Florida taxpayers are often surprised when garnishment begins, even though notices were sent months earlier.

Understanding how the IRS makes this decision helps prevent sudden income disruption.

The IRS Notice Path Before Garnishment

Wage garnishment does not occur without warning.
The IRS follows a predictable notice sequence.

  • Initial balance due notices
  • CP2000 or CP21A adjustments, when applicable
  • CP504 notice
  • Final Notice of Intent to Levy

This sequence is explained here:
IRS Notice Escalation Stages.

Why the IRS Chooses Wage Garnishment

The IRS typically garnishes wages when:

  • The taxpayer has steady employment
  • Other notices were ignored
  • No payment arrangement exists
  • The balance is considered collectible

Garnishment is seen as an efficient collection method for the IRS.

How Much the IRS Can Garnish

IRS wage garnishment differs from private creditor garnishment.
The IRS can take a significant portion of wages, leaving only a basic exempt amount.

This often creates immediate financial stress.

What Wage Garnishment Does Not Mean

Wage garnishment does not mean:

  • You are out of options
  • The balance is final or correct
  • Garnishment cannot be stopped

In many cases, garnishment can be released with prompt action.

Ways Wage Garnishment Can Be Stopped

Garnishment may be stopped or released through:

  • Entering a payment plan
  • Filing missing tax returns
  • Requesting hardship relief
  • Resolving incorrect assessments

Filing compliance is discussed here:
Does Filing Missing Returns Stop IRS Enforcement?.

Why Timing Is Critical

Once a wage garnishment begins, delays reduce available options.
Acting before the Final Notice of Intent to Levy expires preserves leverage.

How Garnishment Ties Into Broader IRS Resolution

Wage garnishment is usually part of a larger enforcement picture involving unpaid balances and unresolved notices.

See the full resolution framework here:
Plantation IRS Resolution Services.

Serving Plantation, FL Taxpayers

Polaris Tax & Accounting is physically located in Plantation, Florida and assists local taxpayers facing wage garnishment and other IRS enforcement actions.
Local guidance matters when income is at risk.

When to Get Help With Wage Garnishment

If your wages are being garnished or enforcement notices are escalating, professional intervention can protect income and prevent further action.

Learn more here:
Plantation IRS Resolution Services.