A wage garnishment (also called a wage levy) is when the IRS contacts your employer and orders them to withhold a portion of your paycheck to pay a tax debt.



This is authorized under IRC §6331, after you’ve been issued final collection notices — typically including:

• CP504
  
  
• LT11 or Letter 1058 (Final Notice of Intent to Levy)
  
  

Once the levy is issued, your employer is legally obligated to begin deductions immediately — and must continue until:

• The balance is paid in full
  
  
• The IRS agrees to release the levy
  
  

You qualify for hardship or a resolution plan

How Much Can the IRS Take from Your Paycheck?

The IRS uses Publication 1494 to determine how much you can keep — based on:



• Filing status
  
  
• Number of dependents
  
  
• Pay frequency (weekly, biweekly, etc.)
  
  

On average:

• A single taxpayer earning $800/week might only keep $250–$300
  
  
• The IRS takes everything above the exempt amount — regardless of your bills or rent
  
  

Many Oklahoma wage earners lose 25–75% of their take-home pay during garnishment.

What Makes IRS Garnishments So Dangerous?

• No need for court approval
  
  
• No cap on % like state garnishments
  
  
• No regard for actual living expenses
  
  
• Your HR department is involved
  
  
• They don’t stop automatically — ever

How to Stop IRS Wage Garnishment – Step by Step

Step 1: Call Summit Tax Relief Immediately

Once we’re on the case:

• We file Power of Attorney (POA) with the IRS
  
  
• All collection calls and notices are redirected to us
  
  
• We act as your official representative
  
  

Step 2: Request a Levy Release

We contact the IRS Automated Collections System (ACS) or Revenue Officer directly and request an immediate release — based on:

• Financial hardship
  
  
• Return compliance
  
  
• Resolution in progress
  
  

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

To get the garnishment stopped, we may submit:

• IRS Form 433-A or 433-F (financial disclosure)
  
  
• Missing tax returns
  
  
• Offer in Compromise or payment plan request
  
  
• Proof of hardship (rent, childcare, medical bills)
  
  

Step 4: Negotiate a Resolution

Once the levy is released, we finalize your long-term resolution:

• Installment Agreement
  
  
• Offer in Compromise
  
  
• Currently Not Collectible status
  
  
• Penalty abatement (in some cases)
  

Oklahoma Case Example

Client: Nurse in Tulsa, OK



• IRS levied $420 per paycheck — leaving less than $400 biweekly
  
  
• Single mom with two kids, behind on rent
  
  
• We filed POA, submitted 433-A and pay stubs
  
  
• Garnishment released in 3 business days
  
  
• $8,700 tax debt later settled with $95/month plan

Why Work With Summit Tax Relief?

• Based in Oklahoma — we serve clients statewide
  
  
• CPA-led firm — we know the IRS system inside and out
  
  
• We act immediately — no call center, no delay
  
  
• Flat-fee pricing — no hourly billing
  
  
• Proven track record of stopping levies and resolving debt

Related Blog Posts (Internal Links)

• IRS CP504 Notice – What It Means and What to Do
  
  
• IRS Letter 1058 – Final Notice Before Levy
  
  
• IRS Form 433-A – What It Is and Why It Matters
  

Get Help Now

The IRS won’t stop taking your paycheck until you make them. We know how.

📞 Call Summit Tax Relief at (833) 477-4911
📅 Schedule Your Free Strategy Call

FAQ

📣 About the Author

Marc Boulanger, CPA is the founder of Summit Tax Relief LLC, a boutique tax resolution firm based in Oklahoma City, OK and trusted by high-income individuals and business owners across Oklahoma.

He is the author of Oklahoma Taxpayers' Guide: Taking A Stand Against the IRS: A Step-by-Step Plan for Dealing With Tax Collectors and Unfiled Returns Without Going Broke, available now on Amazon. The book offers a step-by-step plan for resolving IRS tax debt without losing your business, your home, or your peace of mind.

With over a decade of experience resolving high-stakes IRS and State tax matters, Marc brings strategic insight to complex cases involving wage garnishments, bank levies, unfiled returns, and six-figure tax debts. He is known for helping clients reduce or eliminate tax liabilities through expertly negotiated settlements and compliance plans.

Marc is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in California and Oklahoma and holds the designation of Certified Tax Representation Consultant. He is a member of the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS) — the national organization founded by the educators and practitioners who have trained thousands of CPAs, EAs, and tax attorneys in IRS representation strategy.

Every case is handled with discretion, proven methodology, and direct CPA-led representation — not call center scripts.

📍 Learn more at www.summittaxrelief.com or call (833) 477-4911.