When the IRS sends notices, stress rises fast. A lien can block credit and sales, a levy can take funds from your bank, and a wage garnishment can cut your paycheck. Tax Resolution Services focus on fast protection, clear compliance, and a realistic plan you can keep. Here is a simple guide so you know what is happening, what can stop it, and how to move forward with confidence.
What Tax Resolution Services Actually Do
A quality team made up of licensed Enrolled Agents, CPAs, or attorneys speaks to the IRS for you, reviews your records, and stops immediate harm where possible. They aim to prevent or release wage garnishments and bank levies, manage liens, file missing returns, and negotiate a plan that fits your budget. Clear pricing, a secure client portal, and a dedicated case manager are common with reputable providers so you always know the next step.
Liens, Levies, and Wage Garnishments in Plain Language
A federal tax lien is a legal claim against your property when you owe tax. It can limit credit, refinancing, and sales. It does not take money by itself but it attaches to property until paid or withdrawn.
A levy is the IRS taking money from accounts or other sources. With bank accounts, there is often a short hold, commonly about 21 days, before the bank sends funds to the IRS. This window allows time to request a release.
A wage garnishment is an ongoing wage levy sent to your employer. The IRS takes part of each paycheck. It continues until the IRS releases it or the debt is paid. The allowed take home amount is low and based on filing status and dependents.
The IRS Timeline You Should Know
The IRS sends a series of notices. The Final Notice of Intent to Levy and Notice of Your Right to a Hearing gives you about 30 days to request a hearing. If you act in that window, collection usually pauses while the case is reviewed. A Revenue Officer assignment can speed up actions. The IRS has a collection statute that normally runs for ten years from assessment, but certain events can extend it. Acting early gives you more options and better outcomes.
How Pros Can Protect You Fast
A strong firm will move fast to stop the bleeding and buy time to build a plan that works. Many actions can happen within days, sometimes the same day.
- File a Power of Attorney so the IRS must speak to your representative, not to you, and request an immediate hold on enforcement.
- Ask for a release of a wage garnishment or bank levy based on a pending agreement or hardship and verify all deadlines.
- Pull IRS transcripts, confirm what you owe and what is missing, and get any unfiled returns prepared so you qualify for the best programs.
- Build a realistic budget with allowable expenses and propose the right plan, such as a payment plan, hardship status, or settlement.
- Secure written confirmation and set up future tax payments so you do not fall behind again.
This triage approach is the fastest path to relief and reduces risk of repeat problems.
Resolution Options and When They Fit
Installment Agreement
This is a monthly payment plan. If your balance and timeline fit IRS rules and your filings are up to date, setup can be quick. A plan often leads to the release of a wage garnishment. It is best when you have steady income and want predictable payments.
Offer in Compromise
This is a settlement for less than the full balance when you cannot pay in full within the statute. The IRS looks at your income, assets, equity, and necessary expenses. Packaging matters. The acceptance rate is roughly one in three in recent years, so honest pre screening is vital.
Currently Not Collectible
If you cannot pay without missing basic living costs, the IRS may pause collection. While interest continues, active levies stop while you remain in hardship. The case is reviewed over time and can be revisited if your income rises.
Penalty Relief
First time abatement or reasonable cause wipes out penalties for late filing or late payment when you have a clean history or valid reason-such as illness or disaster. This does not erase the tax, but it can meaningfully lower the total due.
Lien Withdrawal, Discharge, or Subordination
Depending on your balance and plan, you may be allowed to withdraw after entering into a direct debit agreement and meeting certain thresholds. Release or subordination can assist you in selling or refinancing a particular property. These actions increase credit access and flexibility.
Appeals, Innocent Spouse, and Business Payroll Issues
Appeals can pause enforcement and correct errors. Innocent spouse relief applies where the tax is from a spouse and you did not know or could not know. For businesses, in payroll tax cases, quick action is required to avoid personal exposure for trust fund amounts.
How Fast Can Relief Happen
Same day holds are common once a licensed representative speaks with the IRS. Wage garnishment releases can take a few days to process and may take a payroll cycle to reflect. Bank levies have a short hold before funds are sent, so fast action matters. Lien withdrawal takes longer and is measured in weeks. Payment plans are usually the quickest full resolution. Offers in Compromise take longer due to review.
What It Costs and How To Choose a Trusted Team
Pricing depends on the complexity of your case, the number of years to fix, and the strategy. Many clients start with a free consultation that includes a quick risk review and a plan outline. Avoid any firm that makes promises before reviewing your transcripts and finances.
- Verify licensing for the people who will represent you, such as Enrolled Agents, CPAs, or attorneys, and ask who will speak to the IRS.
- Ask for a written plan, timeline, and a flat fee or clear billing with milestones.
- Look for secure portals, frequent updates, and a single point of contact.
- Be wary of claims like pennies on the dollar without a detailed review of your situation.
What To Do Right Now
Gather your IRS letters, the last two pay stubs, recent bank statements, and a list of monthly expenses. In a short consult, a qualified team can request a hold, check transcripts, and map the best path for you. With the right Tax Resolution Services, you can stop liens, levies, and wage garnishments, protect your income and assets, and move toward a clean slate with confidence.