Imagine checking your bank account only to find it’s been drained overnight. Or worse—your paycheck comes in, but a huge chunk is missing before you even touch it. No, this isn’t a mistake. It’s a tax levy, and it means the IRS has officially decided to take what you owe—directly from your wages, savings, or even personal assets. Unlike other creditors, the IRS doesn’t wait around for payment plans or send gentle reminders. If they think you’re not cooperating, they’ll help themselves to your money.
How does it get to this point? It usually starts small—maybe you missed a tax bill, underestimated your quarterly payments, or just couldn’t afford to pay what was due. The IRS sends letters, but they tend to look like just another bill in the mail. Then, after a series of warnings (that many ignore), they pull the trigger on a levy, and suddenly your employer is forced to send part of your paycheck directly to the IRS. Your bank may even freeze your account, cutting off access to your own money. At this point, you’re no longer in control of your finances—the IRS is.This is where immediate action is critical. A tax attorney can step in to stop the levy, negotiate with the IRS, and explore solutions like an Offer in Compromise or installment agreement through the Fresh Start Program. If the IRS has already taken money, there may still be time to get it back—but only if you act fast. Waiting will only let them take more.