UnderstandingLevies, Liens & Garnishment
Looking for an Arabic tax lawyer near you? The IRS has powerful tools to collect unpaid taxes. Arab tax attorneys help Iraqi, Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian & Yemeni clients understand and stop these collection actions.
stop IRS collections
10 Years
Collection Period
IRS statute
Up to 70%
Wage Garnishment
Can be taken
21 Days
Bank Levy Hold
Before seizure
24 Hours
Response time
Free consultation
Time-Sensitive: If you've received a Final Notice of Intent to Levy (CP90), you have only 30 days to request a Collection Due Process hearing. Act immediately to protect your assets.
Understanding your situation
IRS collection tools explained
Know the difference between each collection tool and how to stop them.
Tax lien
A legal claim against your property
How It Affects You
- All property you own now and in the future
- Credit score (drops 100+ points)
- Ability to sell property
- Ability to get loans or credit
How It Happens
Filed publicly after you ignore notices
The IRS must provide notice before taking action. Don't ignore IRS letters.
How to Stop It
- Pay the full tax debt
- Set up an installment agreement
- Offer in Compromise accepted
- Debt expires (10-year statute)
Bank levy
Seizure of money from your bank accounts
How It Affects You
- Checking and savings accounts
- Business accounts
- Investment accounts
- 21-day freeze before seizure
How It Happens
IRS orders bank to freeze and send funds
The IRS must provide notice before taking action. Don't ignore IRS letters.
How to Stop It
- Pay the full tax debt
- Set up installment agreement
- Prove financial hardship
- Request Collection Due Process hearing
Wage garnishment
Mandatory deductions from your paycheck
How It Affects You
- Can take up to 70% of disposable income
- Continues until debt is paid
- Employer must comply
- Less exempt than private creditor garnishment
How It Happens
IRS orders employer to withhold wages
The IRS must provide notice before taking action. Don't ignore IRS letters.
How to Stop It
- Full payment of debt
- Installment agreement
- Currently Not Collectible status
- Offer in Compromise
Property seizure
Physical taking and sale of property
How It Affects You
- Vehicles, real estate, equipment
- Sold at auction (often below value)
- Used for larger unpaid debts
- Rare but serious consequence
How It Happens
IRS seizes and auctions your assets
The IRS must provide notice before taking action. Don't ignore IRS letters.
How to Stop It
- Pay before seizure
- Prove exempt property
- Show sale would create hardship
- Bankruptcy (temporary stay)
Protected income
What the IRS cannot take
Certain amounts are exempt from levy to cover basic living expenses.
| Income Type | Single Filer | Married Filing Jointly |
|---|---|---|
| Wages (Weekly) | $354.17 | $495.83 |
| Wages (Monthly) | $1,533.33 | $2,150.00 |
| Social Security | Partially exempt | Partially exempt |
| Retirement (IRA/401k) | Generally exempt | Generally exempt |
*Amounts increase with dependents. Based on 2025 figures. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Facing a levy or garnishment?
Time is critical. An Arabic-speaking tax attorney can help you stop collection actions and protect your assets. We've helped over 1,000 clients resolve IRS problems.
Stop levies & garnishments
Emergency relief options available
Negotiate with the IRS
Payment plans, offers in compromise
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Explain your options in your language
Questions about IRS Collections
Related resources
More helpful tax law guides
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Disclaimer: The information on this page about IRS levies, liens, and wage garnishments is provided for general educational purposes only. IRS collection procedures and your rights may vary based on individual circumstances. This information does not constitute tax or legal advice. If you have received notice of a levy, lien, or garnishment, time-sensitive deadlines may apply. Consult with a licensed tax attorney, CPA, or enrolled agent immediately for advice specific to your situation.