Tax Liens & Levies,
stopped in their tracks.
A federal tax lien or levy can devastate your finances — freezing bank accounts, garnishing wages, and destroying your credit. Our AI Legal Nerds help you understand your rights and take immediate action to protect your assets.
Lien vs Levy — What Is the Difference?
Many people confuse these two very different IRS collection actions. Understanding the difference is the first step to fighting back.
Federal Tax Lien
Legal claim on your property- •A legal claim against ALL your property — real estate, vehicles, financial assets
- •Filed publicly and destroys your credit score
- •Prevents you from selling or refinancing property without paying the IRS first
- •Attaches automatically when you owe taxes and the IRS files a Notice of Federal Tax Lien
- •Can be released, discharged, subordinated, or withdrawn in certain circumstances
IRS Levy
Active seizure of your assets- •The IRS actually TAKES your property — bank accounts frozen, wages garnished
- •Bank levies seize funds immediately — you have 21 days before the bank sends the money
- •Wage garnishments are continuous — the IRS takes a portion of every paycheck
- •Social Security benefits, retirement accounts, and even your home can be levied
- •You have the right to a Collection Due Process hearing BEFORE most levies
How to Stop a Lien or Levy
Request a Collection Due Process Hearing
You have the right to appeal before most levies take effect. File Form 12153 within 30 days of the Final Notice of Intent to Levy. This stops collection action while your case is reviewed.
Enter a Resolution Agreement
Entering an installment agreement, Offer in Compromise, or other resolution with the IRS can stop levy action and eventually lead to lien release once the debt is resolved.
Challenge the Levy in Court
In certain circumstances — including wrongful levies and procedural violations — you can challenge IRS collection action in federal court. Our AI identifies these opportunities.
Time is critical — act now
Deadlines to appeal IRS collection actions are strict and short. Get AI guidance immediately to protect your assets.