Reasons Why the IRS Freezes Assets

The Internal Revenue Service can and will freeze assets if necessary. The only reason the IRS needs to levy assets is because of unpaid taxes. Whether you failed to file a tax return, owe money from a tax error or stopped making payment on an agreement plan, the IRS will take action to collect the money you owe.

If the IRS files a levy with your bank, it freezes all of your bank accounts, even joint account with another party who does not owe the IRS. As long as a levy is in effect, you cannot access the funds for any reason until it is lifted. Checks that have not yet been cleared by the bank will be returned for insufficient funds. The bank is required to hold all account funds up to the amount you owe, for 21 days. The waiting period gives you the opportunity to resolve any issues, such as account ownership. After the 21-day period expires, the bank sends the money along with interest to the IRS.

The IRS may choose to impose a levy after exhausting other collection methods and attempting to resolve the tax issue. The reasons are numerous why you may owe the IRS money. For example, failing to pay or report the proper tax amount. The IRS attempts to resolve the tax issue before freezing assets. A levy is not limited to your bank accounts. Levies can also be issued against your income from your employer, and federal and state income tax refunds.

The IRS will not freeze your accounts without following the required procedure. The IRS will first assess the tax and send you a Notice and Demand for Payment. If you did not pay the tax within the specified amount of time or did not contact the IRS to make payment arrangements, a Final Notice of Intent to Levy and Notice of Your Right to A Hearing is sent at least 30 days before the levy. The IRS may give you the notice in person at your home or your place of business or mail it via certified or registered mail to your last known address.

You can file an appeal if you do not agree with the debt or request a hearing to request removal within 30 days of receiving the notice of Intent to Levy. The IRS does not consider money that is placed in a bank account necessary for immediate needs. To have the levy released, you must prove it causes an undue economic hardship. For instance, you will need to provide a utility disconnection notice or eviction notice. You may be able to delay the levy for months or even years if you are able to show severe financial struggle. You may also remove a levy by entering into a repayment plan. You will need to show you are able to make monthly installment payments to satisfy the debt. In some cases, the IRS levies accounts in error. If this has happened to you, contact the IRS immediately. You may be entitled to reimbursement for bank charges.