What Does an IRS Tax Levy Mean in Texas?

 Posted on October 30, 2013 in San Antonio Bankruptcy Attorney

Since the economy has taken a turn for the worse, the IRS has be relatively aggressive in coming after income tax debt. If you are being contacted by the IRS about existing tax debt and you are feeling overwhelmed with your finances, you need the advice of a San Antonio bankruptcy attorney.

The IRS can use levies to pay your taxes if you do not make payments or arrangements for payments to cover a tax debt. The IRS can take and sell any type of personal property that you own or have interest in. This includes the cash loan value of your life insurance policy, commissions, your wages, bank accounts, licenses, rental income, dividends, and retirement accounts. The IRS may also seize and sell property such as houses, boats or cars.

The tax levy can be completed after the IRS assessed the tax and provided you with a Notice and Demand for Payment, you refused to pay the tax or ignored the notice, and you received a "Final Notice of Intent to Levy and Notice of Your Right to a Hearing." Generally, you will receive this last piece of information about 30 days before the levy. Taxes are extremely complicated and contacting the IRS may not clear up your questions. This is a sign to reach out to a bankruptcy lawyer.

If you are being contacted by the IRS about an impending levy, now is the time to act. The automatic stay provision of bankruptcy will stall all attempts by creditors to collect on a debt. Filing for bankruptcy is one way to stop the attempt to levy you as a result of an outstanding tax debt.

You should only work with a professional who understands the challenges of an IRS tax levy. If you’re ready to talk about bankruptcy and your opportunity to get a fresh start in life, contact an experienced Texas bankruptcy attorney today.