Do You Owe Any Taxes?
If so, your bank account may be subject to an IRS bank levy. An IRS bank levy is typically issued for a one time pull from your bank account, but the bank holds those funds for 21 days before forwarding them to the IRS. This is done in order to seize the funds in your bank account to pay off back taxes that you owe. The reason for the 21 days is simple. The IRS hopes that you will call and make arrangements to pay in full, set up an installment agreement, or dispute the balance due as an error.
Will the IRS Freeze My Bank Account?
The bank freezes the funds in your bank account based on the day and time the levy is received.
Any money deposited after that time are yours to keep; but, this does not mean if the levied funds do not pay your debt in full that the IRS will not issue a new levy and try again. They may even take it a step further and put a levy on your wages or set into motion the process to seize your home, cars, and personal property.
Can the IRS Take Money From a Joint Account?
The IRS can levy a joint bank account if one account holder has delinquent tax debt and all other required procedures have been followed. This is true whether the joint account holder is your spouse, relative, or anyone else. It doesn't matter whose funds were placed into the account.
Related Reading: How Long Does a Bank Levy Last?
Need Help? Contact a Tampa Tax Levy Lawyer
The IRS takes collection activity seriously. The longer you ignore your tax obligations, the more pressure they will apply. That is where I can help. I can put our experience to work for you and make sure you never end up in a levy situation. I may even be able to help you negotiate a settlement with the IRS to pay less than the full amount of your debt.
I may be able to get the IRS to abate some or all of those dreaded penalties that may add up to more than your original tax debt. If a bank levy has caused financial hardship, I will work to get that money back from the IRS.
Do yourself a favor. Contact the Law Offices of Darrin T. Mish, P.A.to schedule a free consultation. Together, we will review your tax situation and create an action plan to protect your bank account and help you start all over tax debt and worry-free.
Contact us online or call (813) 295-7648 for a free consultation. Backed by 20+ years' experience!