How Long Does an IRS Levy Last?
If the IRS Levied Your Wages or Bank Account—How Long Will It Go On?
An IRS levy can feel like it lasts forever. Whether it’s a wage garnishment or a frozen bank account, most taxpayers want to know: How long will this continue?
The answer depends on what type of levy it is, how much you owe, and what steps you take to resolve the issue.
This blog explains how long different types of IRS levies last, can you stop an IRS levy after it starts, and how to protect your income from future seizures.
IRS Levy Duration Depends on the Type of Levy
There are three main types of IRS levies:
1. Bank Account Levy (Form 668-A)
- One-time action
- Bank freezes the funds for
21 days
- After 21 days, the money is sent to the IRS unless the levy is released
This is often referred to as an IRS bank account levy in California, where frozen funds can create immediate hardship.
Related: IRS seized my bank account – What to Do When Your Funds Are Frozen
2. Wage Garnishment (Form 668-W)
- Continuous levy
- Deducted from every paycheck
- Continues
until the debt is fully paid, the levy is released, or the collection statute expires
Taxpayers dealing with this are facing IRS wage garnishment enforcement, which can last for years unless proactive steps are taken.
3. Accounts Receivable or Vendor Levy
- Applies to money owed to the taxpayer (e.g., from customers or contracts)
- Lasts until the obligation is paid or the levy is released
- May trigger repeated notices to third parties
Related:
IRS Levied a Customer of Mine – What Business Owners Need to Know
What Ends an IRS Levy?
- Payment in full of the tax balance
- Entering an Installment Agreement
- Acceptance of an Offer in Compromise
- IRS grants using Currently Not Collectible status to stop levies
- You file a successful
Collection Due Process appeal (CDP)
- The
Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED) passes
Related: IRS Levies and the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED)
What If the IRS Levy Lasts Too Long?
The IRS can’t levy forever. They’re bound by understanding the IRS 10-year statute of limitations from the date the tax was assessed.
But be aware: that clock pauses if you file:
- An Offer in Compromise
- A CDP or CAP appeal
- Bankruptcy
- Request for a Taxpayer Assistance Order
These extend the statute and can lengthen the levy period.
How to Get an IRS Levy Released
- Call the IRS (or have your representative call)
- Provide financial info showing hardship
- File Form 433-A or 433-F
- Request an Installment Agreement or CNC status
- Submit a CDP appeal if you're within 30 days of levy notice
Related:
IRS Collection Appeals Program (CAP) vs CDP Hearings – What’s the Difference?
We Help Orange County Taxpayers Stop IRS Levies Quickly
At Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, we:
- Stop ongoing wage garnishments
- Reverse bank levies
- File emergency CDP appeals
- Resolve the debt to eliminate future levies
For additional strategies and insights, you can explore more in Defend What’s Yours.
📞 Call
(657) 218-5700 or request levy help now at
www.orangecounty.cpa
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an IRS wage garnishment last?
An IRS wage garnishment continues until the debt is paid in full, the levy is released, or you negotiate an alternative arrangement with the IRS.
How long does an IRS bank levy last?
A bank levy applies only to funds in the account on the day the levy is served. However, the IRS can issue new levies repeatedly until the debt is resolved.
Does bankruptcy stop an IRS levy?
Yes. Bankruptcy generally halts IRS collection actions, including levies. However, whether the tax debt is ultimately discharged depends on your case.
Can the IRS levy Social Security benefits?
Yes. Through the Federal Payment Levy Program, the IRS can take up to 15% of your monthly Social Security benefits until the debt is satisfied.
How long can the IRS collect a tax debt?
The IRS has 10 years from the date of assessment to collect. Levies can continue within this period unless stopped by resolution or statute expiration.
Can I get a levy released before the debt is paid in full?
Yes. You may qualify for levy release if you prove financial hardship, negotiate an installment agreement, or submit an Offer in Compromise.
Do California tax agencies issue levies too?
Yes. The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) and Employment Development Department (EDD) can issue levies similar to the IRS for unpaid state taxes.
Should I get professional help if facing a levy?
Yes. Professional representation ensures you understand your rights, explore relief options, and stop or reduce levies effectively.
📣 About the Author
Marc Boulanger, CPA is the founder of Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, a boutique tax resolution firm based in Orange County, California and trusted by high-income individuals and business owners across Southern California.
He is the author of Defend What’s Yours: A California Taxpayer’s Guide to Beating the IRS and FTB at Their Own Game, available now on Amazon. The book offers a step-by-step plan for resolving IRS and FTB 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.orangecounty.cpa or call (657) 218-5700.
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