How to StopIRS Collections
Looking for an Arabic tax lawyer near you? Facing wage garnishment, bank levies, or property seizure? Arab tax attorneys help Iraqi, Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian & Yemeni clients take immediate action to protect assets.
stop IRS collections
30 Days
CDP Deadline
After final notice
21 Days
Bank Levy Hold
Before seizure
24 Hours
Response time
Emergency help
Free
Consultation
No obligation
Time-Sensitive: Many relief options have strict deadlines. The sooner you act, the more options you have. Don't wait until it's too late.
Immediate steps
What to do right now
Don't panic
Collection actions can almost always be stopped or mitigated with the right approach.
Gather your notices
Find all IRS notices you've received. The most recent one determines your options.
Calculate what you owe
Know your total debt across all tax years to understand your situation.
Contact a tax professional
A tax attorney can assess your options and take immediate action to stop collection.
Your options
Ways to stop collection
Each option has different requirements and effectiveness. A tax professional can help you choose the best approach for your situation.
Request a Collection Due Process (CDP) Hearing
30 days after Final NoticeEffectiveness
High
A CDP hearing is your legal right to challenge collection actions. Filing a request stops all collection activity until the hearing is resolved.
How it works
- File Form 12153 within 30 days of Final Notice
- Collection pauses while hearing is pending
- You can propose alternatives (payment plan, OIC)
- Can appeal if you disagree with outcome
Effectiveness
High
Legally stops collection
Request Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status
Immediate upon approvalEffectiveness
Medium-High
If you can't afford basic living expenses after paying taxes, the IRS may temporarily halt collection.
How it works
- Submit financial information (Form 433-A/F)
- Prove income doesn't cover necessities
- IRS stops levies and garnishments
- Reviewed annually; debt still accrues interest
Effectiveness
Medium-High
Stops collection temporarily
Set Up an Installment Agreement
1-3 days if done onlineEffectiveness
High
Agreeing to a payment plan typically stops or prevents collection actions.
How it works
- Apply online at IRS.gov/opa for debts under $50K
- Larger debts require Form 9465 or 433-D
- Levies released once agreement is in place
- Must stay current on payments
Effectiveness
High
Stops collection while in compliance
Submit an Offer in Compromise (OIC)
6-12 months to processEffectiveness
Medium
While your OIC is pending, the IRS generally cannot levy. You may settle for less than owed.
How it works
- Submit Form 656 with $205 fee
- Collection paused during review
- Must continue filing and paying current taxes
- If rejected, can appeal
Effectiveness
Medium
Temporary pause, possible permanent solution
File for Bankruptcy (Last Resort)
Immediate automatic stayEffectiveness
Immediate
Filing bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay that immediately halts all IRS collection.
How it works
- Automatic stay stops all creditor actions
- Some tax debts may be dischargeable
- Serious credit and financial consequences
- Consult bankruptcy attorney first
Effectiveness
Immediate
But significant consequences
Specific situations
Getting a levy released
Bank Account Frozen
Request levy release within 21-day holding period
Show hardship or set up payment plan before funds are sent to IRS
Wage Garnishment Active
Request release by entering into installment agreement
Contact IRS or have attorney negotiate immediate release
Property Seizure Threatened
Pay, set up agreement, or request CDP hearing
Property seizure is rare; IRS prefers payment plans
Get immediate help
Our Arabic-speaking tax attorneys have helped hundreds of clients stop IRS collection actions. Free, confidential consultation available.
Stop levies & garnishments
Emergency relief options available
Negotiate with the IRS
Get the best possible outcome
Arabic-speaking attorney
Understand your options in your language
Questions about Stopping Collections
Related resources
More helpful tax law guides
Don't Let the IRS Take Everything
Get help from an Arabic-speaking tax attorney today. Free consultation, no obligation.
Disclaimer: The information on this page about stopping IRS collections is provided for general educational purposes only. The relief options and procedures described may not be available in all situations and depend on individual circumstances including the amount owed, compliance history, and financial situation. This information does not constitute tax or legal advice. Consult with a licensed tax attorney, CPA, or enrolled agent immediately if you are facing IRS collection actions, as time-sensitive deadlines may apply.