An IRS levy is one of the most aggressive collection tools the government can use. If you’re receiving threatening letters—or worse, you’ve already had money taken from your bank account or paycheck—it’s not too late to take action.

At Polaris Tax & Accounting, we specialize in fast, proactive IRS levy resolution. Whether you’re in Florida, North Carolina, or anywhere else in the U.S., we can help you stop a levy and protect your finances.

This post is part of our IRS Problem Solvers Series:

What Is an IRS Levy?

An IRS levy is a legal seizure of your property to satisfy a tax debt. It goes beyond a lien (which is just a claim). When the IRS levies your bank account, wages, or other assets, they take your money.

Types of IRS levies include:

  • Wage garnishment – The IRS contacts your employer and takes part of your paycheck.
  • Bank levy – Funds are frozen and withdrawn from your checking or savings account.
  • Social Security levy – Up to 15% of your monthly benefit can be taken.
  • Property seizure – In rare cases, the IRS may seize and sell property or assets.

Why the IRS Issues Levies

The IRS doesn’t levy out of nowhere. Before taking your money, they must:

  1. Assess the tax and send a bill.
  2. Send a Final Notice of Intent to Levy (Letter 1058 or LT11).
  3. Give you 30 days to request a hearing.

If you don’t respond or make arrangements, they can proceed.

Common causes for levies include:

  • Unpaid back taxes
  • Ignored IRS notices
  • Defaulted installment agreements
  • Unfiled tax returns

How to Stop or Release a Levy

The good news? IRS levies can often be stopped or released—especially if you act quickly.

Here are the main resolution options:

  • Request a Collection Due Process (CDP) Hearing within 30 days of receiving a levy notice.
  • Negotiate an Installment Agreement. This stops enforcement once accepted.
  • Submit an Offer in Compromise. Settle your debt for less than you owe.
  • Claim Financial Hardship (Currently Not Collectible status).
  • Fix unfiled returns or errors causing the levy.

In many cases, we’ve helped clients get levies reversed and funds returned.

Why Time Is Critical

If the IRS has already issued a levy:

  • Bank levies are one-time events. The bank freezes the funds for 21 days, giving you a small window to act.
  • Wage garnishments are continuous. They keep taking money until the debt is paid or the levy is lifted.

The longer you wait, the harder it is to fix. But if you reach out quickly, you may be able to:

  • Recover seized funds
  • Stop future levies
  • Avoid further penalties

How Polaris Helps You Fight Back

At Polaris Tax & Accounting, we don’t waste time. Once we’re retained, we can:

  • Call the IRS directly on your behalf and request a levy release
  • File all missing returns or correct inaccurate filings
  • Negotiate payment plans or settlements based on your actual financial picture
  • Stop garnishments and bank levies fast

With our average response turnaround of 72 hours, most cases begin moving forward within days.

Next Steps: Don’t Wait

If you’ve received a levy notice or suspect one is coming, now is the time to act.

➡️ Schedule a confidential consultation

➡️ Or explore more of our IRS Help Resources: