IRS Bank Levy
An IRS bank levy is the legal seizure of your property to satisfy a tax liability. The collection power of a levy is very serious and must not be confused with a lien which is used as security for a tax debt. A bank levy allows the IRS to actually take your financial and personal assets.
The IRS can levy assets belonging to the taxpayer, known as a seizure, or it can levy assets from a third party such as a bank, a brokerage house, etc.
The most common types of levies are:
- bank account levy
- wage garnishment on salary, and social security
- asset seizure of personal property
The IRS will issue a levy after the following requirements are met:
- The tax has been assessed
- Notice and Demand for Payment has been sent
- A Final Notice of Intent to Levy and Notice of Your Right to A Hearing have been issued
- These notices are sent at least 30 days prior to generating the levy
Taxpayer actions that prompt levy assessment are:
- Defaulting on an Installment Agreement
- Failing to file past due tax returns on the promised date
- Failure to pay the amount promised
