There are few surprises more stressful than discovering your paycheck has been garnished by the IRS. One day you’re managing your bills—then suddenly, a large chunk of your income disappears. For many across Gwinnett County, this scenario is all too real.
At Back Tax Rescue, we help people stop IRS wage garnishments fast—and more importantly, legally. Whether you just received a notice or your employer has already begun withholding your pay, this guide will show you how garnishment works, what your rights are, and what steps you can take today to protect your income.
💸 What Is an IRS Wage Garnishment?
An IRS wage garnishment (also called a wage levy) allows the IRS to legally take a portion of your paycheck to collect unpaid tax debt—without needing a court order. The amount they take is based on your income, filing status, and how many dependents you claim.
Unlike other creditors, the IRS doesn’t have to sue you. They only need to send a series of required notices—then they can legally seize your wages, bank funds, or even Social Security payments.
⚠️ How Much Can the IRS Take from My Paycheck?
The IRS uses a specific formula to calculate how much of your income is “exempt” (protected) from garnishment. The rest? They can take.
For example:
- A single taxpayer with no dependents might only be allowed to keep $1,000–$1,200/month
- Everything above that is sent directly to the IRS—before you even see it
This often leaves taxpayers unable to pay rent, utilities, or feed their families, causing extreme financial hardship.
📬 Warning Signs Before Garnishment Happens
Fortunately, wage garnishment doesn’t happen overnight. The IRS sends several notices before taking action, including:
- CP14 – First notice of taxes owed
- CP501 / CP503 – Follow-up reminders
- CP504 – Final notice before collections
- LT11 or Letter 1058 – Final notice of intent to levy and your right to a hearing
📌 If you receive LT11 or Letter 1058, you must act within 30 days to prevent garnishment.
🚨 Already Being Garnished? Here’s What to Do Immediately
If your employer has already started withholding your wages, you still have options—but you need to act fast.
✅ Step 1: Call a Tax Resolution Professional
At Back Tax Rescue, we handle emergency garnishment cases and can often get the levy lifted quickly, depending on your circumstances.
✅ Step 2: Request a Collection Due Process (CDP) Hearing
If you’re within the 30-day window from the final notice, you can file for a hearing to halt the garnishment while your case is reviewed.
✅ Step 3: Submit an Installment Agreement or Offer in Compromise
Showing the IRS that you’re taking steps to pay—through an approved resolution—can stop collection action.
✅ Step 4: Claim Financial Hardship (Currently Not Collectible Status)
If the garnishment causes severe financial hardship, you may qualify for CNC status, which pauses all collection activity.
💼 Legal Ways to Stop an IRS Wage Garnishment
Let’s break down the legitimate ways to stop IRS garnishment—permanently or temporarily:
💰 1. Installment Agreement
Set up a payment plan to pay off your tax debt in monthly installments. The IRS will often stop garnishment once the plan is approved.
🛡️ 2. Offer in Compromise
If you qualify, you can settle your tax debt for less than you owe—and stop wage garnishment in the process.
📄 3. Penalty Abatement + Installment
We can request a reduction in penalties, then help you get on a payment plan to resolve the remaining balance.
🧾 4. Currently Not Collectible (CNC)
If you can prove financial hardship, the IRS may suspend collections entirely. This status is reviewed annually but gives you breathing room.
🏛️ 5. Appeal the Garnishment
If your garnishment was improperly issued or creates unreasonable hardship, you have the right to appeal.
🔄 What Doesn’t Work
- Ignoring IRS notices (it only accelerates enforcement)
- Asking your employer to “stop withholding” (they’re legally required to comply)
- Making partial payments without a formal agreement (won’t stop garnishment)
👨💼 How Back Tax Rescue Can Help
Stopping IRS wage garnishment requires quick action, detailed paperwork, and knowledge of IRS procedures. We take care of all of that for you.
Here’s how we help:
- Stop or pause garnishment with emergency filings
- Negotiate IRS payment plans or Offers in Compromise
- Request hardship relief or penalty abatement
- Communicate directly with the IRS so you don’t have to
Whether you’re in Lilburn, Buford, Loganville, or anywhere in Gwinnett County, we’ll fight to get your paycheck back and put you on a realistic path to resolution.
📞 Don’t Let the IRS Take Another Paycheck
Every day you wait allows the IRS to take more of your income. If you’re facing wage garnishment, act now.
📞 Call Back Tax Rescue: 470-699-1187
📧 Email: info@backtaxrescue.com
🗓️ Schedule a Free Consultation Now »
We’ll listen to your situation, stop the garnishment when possible, and build a plan that puts your finances—and your life—back in your hands.
