Fighting IRS Debt Collectors: 6 Common Questions about Wage Levies

How much can the IRS take out of my paycheck?

The IRS does what is called an income and lifestyle analysis. They figure out how much your “basic” living expenses are and then take the rest of you gross income. This breaks down to the IRS being able to levy 50-75% of your paycheck.

Can my boss refuse to levy my check?

He/ she can, but your boss is probably aware of what will happen if he/ she won’t comply. The IRS expects their money, and if your boss decides to stand up to them on your behalf, they take the money from your boss.

How can I get a wage levy removed?

Enter into an arrangement to handle the debt with the IRS. There are several possible programs you can enter into to handle your IRS debt, but if you’re not willing to do anything then the wage levy stays.

Will the IRS leave me enough money to live on?

That depends on how much you feel like you need to “live on”. The IRS will leave you with enough to cover the most basic expenses: food, clothes, utilities, and that’s about all. The IRS does not consider credit card payments to be basic, so if you’re in credit card debt the IRS wage levy can make your life very hard.

If the IRS has already levied my wages do they still take out the regular taxes on my paycheck?

Yes they do. In fact your wage levy comes out first, and then your regular taxes are taken out of what’s left over. So you’re already getting levied for 50% of your gross pay, and then the IRS takes out your regular taxes, so your net pay will only be about 30% of what is should be.

I’m an independent contractor and don’t get a regular wage. Is there something like a wage levy that they can hit me with?

Absolutely, they can levy any money you make from a job. In addition the IRS can go to your clients and demand payment directly from them before you get paid; which could damage your business’ reputation.