Before a levy: the letters that come first
The IRS can't take wages or a bank balance by surprise. It has to send a series of notices first, and each one gives you something to ask for.
A balance moves from a bill to a levy over several months. Knowing which letter you have tells you how much time is left and what you can still do.
The first bills
CP14 is the first notice of a balance due. CP501 and CP503 are reminders. At this stage you can pay, set up a payment plan online for many balances, or ask for penalty relief.
The intent-to-levy notice
CP504 says the IRS intends to levy certain property, such as a state tax refund. It's serious, but it isn't yet the final notice for wages and bank accounts.
The final notice
LTR 1058 or LT11 is the final notice of intent to levy and your right to a hearing. From its date you have 30 days to request a Collection Due Process hearing on Form 12153. A timely request generally pauses the levy while the hearing is pending, and at the hearing you can propose a payment plan or another option.
After the levy
If a levy has already reached your wages or account, it can still be released, often once a payment plan is in place or when the levy causes economic hardship. Bank levies hold funds for 21 days before the bank sends them, which leaves a short window to act.
- Find the notice number and its date
- Count 30 days from that date
- Gather your last three months of income and expenses
- Call us or the number on the letter before the window closes
None of this makes the balance go away. It gives you time and a say in how it gets paid.