How to Stop an IRS Levy in Hesperia, Victorville & Apple Valley, CA | Tax Help Guy

An IRS levy is one of the most serious collection actions the IRS can take. If you live inHesperia,Victorville,Apple Valley, or anywhere in theHigh Desertand the IRS has levied your bank account, wages, or other assets, you need to act immediately. This guide will show you how to stop an IRS levy and protect your assets.

What is an IRS Levy?

An IRS levy is a legal seizure of your property to satisfy a tax debt. The IRS can levy:

• Bank Accounts:Freeze and seize funds from your checking or savings accounts
• Wages:Garnish your paycheck (wage levy)
• Retirement Accounts:Seize funds from IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement accounts
• Accounts Receivable:Seize money owed to you by customers or clients
• Social Security Benefits:Levy your Social Security payments
• Property:Seize and sell real estate, vehicles, or other assets

Emergency Steps to Stop an IRS Levy

Step 1: Contact the IRS Immediately

If you've received a Notice of Intent to Levy or a levy is already in place:

• Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040
• Have your tax information ready
• Ask to speak with a collections manager
• Request a hold on collection activities
• Explain your situation and request options

Step 2: Request a Collection Due Process (CDP) Hearing

If you received a Notice of Intent to Levy, you have 30 days to request a CDP hearing:

• File Form 12153, Request for a Collection Due Process or Equivalent Hearing
• This automatically stops collection during the hearing process
• You can propose payment plans or other solutions
• You have the right to appeal the decision

Step 3: Pay the Tax in Full

If you can pay the full amount owed:

• The levy will be released immediately
• You can arrange payment by phone or online
• Consider using a credit card or loan if necessary
• This is the fastest way to stop a levy

Step 4: Set Up an Installment Agreement

If you can't pay in full, you may be able to set up a payment plan:

• Contact the IRS to discuss payment options
• Propose a monthly payment amount you can afford
• The IRS may release the levy once an agreement is in place
• You may need to provide financial information

Step 5: Request Currently Not Collectible Status

If you can't afford to pay anything:

• Request "Currently Not Collectible" (CNC) status
• Provide financial information showing hardship
• If approved, the IRS will temporarily stop collection
• The levy will be released
• You'll need to reapply annually

Step 6: File an Offer in Compromise

If you can't pay the full amount and meet certain criteria:

• You may qualify for an Offer in Compromise (OIC)
• This allows you to settle for less than you owe
• The levy may be released during the OIC process
• Requires detailed financial documentation

Types of Levies and How to Stop Them

Bank Account Levy

If the IRS has levied your bank account:

• Act Immediately:You have 21 days before the bank sends funds to the IRS
• Contact the IRS:Request a release if you can pay or set up a payment plan
• Prove Hardship:Show that the levy creates a financial hardship
• File CDP Request:If within 30 days of the notice

Wage Levy (Garnishment)

If the IRS is garnishing your wages:

• Contact Your Employer:They must continue the levy until released
• Contact the IRS:Request release based on financial hardship
• Set Up Payment Plan:The IRS may release the levy
• Prove Exempt Income:Some income may be exempt from levy

Property Levy

If the IRS has levied your property:

• Time is Critical:Act before the property is sold
• Request Release:If you can pay or set up a payment plan
• File CDP Request:To stop the sale
• Prove Hardship:Show the sale would create hardship

Reasons the IRS Will Release a Levy

The IRS must release a levy if:

• You've paid the tax debt in full
• The statute of limitations has expired
• You've entered into an installment agreement
• Releasing the levy will help you pay the tax
• The levy creates an economic hardship
• You've filed for bankruptcy (automatic stay applies)
• The value of the property exceeds the tax debt

Preventing Future Levies

To prevent future levies:

• File All Returns:Don't let returns go unfiled
• Pay What You Owe:Or set up a payment plan
• Respond to Notices:Don't ignore IRS correspondence
• Stay Current:Make payments on time
• Communicate:Keep the IRS informed of your situation

Your Rights During a Levy

As a taxpayer, you have rights:

• Right to Notice:The IRS must send proper notice before levying
• Right to a Hearing:You can request a CDP hearing
• Right to Appeal:You can appeal levy decisions
• Right to Representation:You can have a tax professional represent you
• Right to Hardship Consideration:The IRS must consider financial hardship

Local Resources for High Desert Taxpayers

• San Bernardino IRS Office:290 North D Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401
• IRS Collections Phone:1-800-829-1040
• Taxpayer Advocate Service:1-877-777-4778
• Emergency Tax Help:Available in Apple Valley, Victorville, and Hesperia

Conclusion

An IRS levy is a serious collection action that can have devastating financial consequences for High Desert taxpayers in Hesperia, Victorville, and Apple Valley. However, you have options and rights. By acting quickly, requesting a CDP hearing, setting up a payment plan, or proving financial hardship, you can stop a levy and protect your assets.

The key is to act immediately. If you've received a Notice of Intent to Levy or a levy is already in place, don't wait. Contact our tax professionals in Apple Valley and Victorville right away. We can help you stop the levy, protect your assets, and work toward a resolution of your tax debt.