IRS Levied Me by Mistake – What to Do If You Were Wrongfully Targeted

You Got Levied by the IRS—but You Don’t Owe the Debt?

What Is a Wrongful Levy?

A wrongful levy occurs when the IRS seizes:

• Assets from a person who doesn’t owe the tax
  
  
• Third-party property not belonging to the taxpayer
  
  
• Funds from an account held jointly, but contributed by someone else
  
  
• Wages or income of the wrong individual

This often leads to searches like IRS garnished my wages without notice or questions about can you stop an IRS levy after it starts—because taxpayers are desperate to know if they have any chance to fight back.

Common Causes of IRS Mistakes

• IRS sent levy notice to the wrong Social Security Number or EIN
  
  
• You already paid the tax debt
  
  
• The levy happened after the statute of limitations (CSED) expired
  
  
• You’re a non-liable party (e.g., spouse, parent, business partner)
  
  
• IRS failed to send the required Final Notice of Intent to Levy

Can You Get the Money Back?

Yes—if the levy was wrongful, you can request a refund or reversal through:

• A wrongful levy claim under IRC §6343
  
  
• A CAP appeal
  
  
• Filing Form 911 to request Taxpayer Advocate assistance

• A legal claim under IRC §7433 if damages occurred

Many California taxpayers also face IRS bank account levy in California issues or disputes involving California FTB wrongful levy disputes, which can add another layer of complexity.

Related: IRS seized my bank account – Can I Get the Money Back?

Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Were Levied by Mistake

Step 1: Contact the IRS Immediately

Call the number on your levy notice or work with a licensed CPA to:

• Identify the cause of the error
  
  
• Request an immediate levy release
  
  
• Stop further enforcement while the issue is reviewed
  

Step 2: File a Wrongful Levy Claim (IRC §6343)

You (or your representative) must:

• Submit a written request to the IRS Advisory Office
  
  
• Include documentation showing ownership of the funds
  
  
• Provide proof that the debt was not yours, or the levy was legally improper
  
  

Related: IRS Seized My Bank Account – Can I Get the Money Back?

Step 3: Consider Taxpayer Advocate Involvement

If the IRS won’t act—or the levy is causing immediate hardship—you can file:

• Form 911 – Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance
  
  
• A TAO (Taxpayer Assistance Order) may be issued to stop the IRS
  
  

Related: IRS Garnished My Wages Without Notice – Is That Legal?

How to Protect Yourself from Future IRS Errors

• Keep your address and contact info updated with the IRS
  
  
• File all tax returns on time—even if you can’t pay
  
  
• Monitor your IRS transcripts regularly for updates or changes
  
  
• Don’t ignore IRS letters—even if you think they’re incorrect
  
  
• File Power of Attorney forms (2848) with your CPA for oversight

We Help Orange County Taxpayers Fight Back Against Wrongful IRS Levies

At Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, we:

• File wrongful levy claims and appeals
  
  
• Reverse improper IRS collections
  
  
• Recover funds taken from non-liable parties
  
  
• Help you prevent further enforcement

For deeper insights into protecting your rights, be sure to explore more in Defend What’s Yours.

📞 Call (657) 218-5700 or request urgent IRS help at www.orangecounty.cpa

📣 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.