IRS Is Taking Action
IRS Bank Levy Release: Unfreeze Your Bank Account Today
Your Bank Account Unlocked Fast
We act the moment you call. Speed is everything here.
URGENT
You Never Speak to the IRS Again
We handle all communication on your behalf.
HANDS-OFF
Your Money Stays Yours While We Work
A levy gets challenged the day we step in.
PROTECTED
David Lawrence
IRS Enrolled Agent - 14 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
CP14 - $31,200 Balance
Response Filed. IRS on Hold.
Day 1
Agent Assigned
David Lawrence taking over
Day 1
IRS Contacted On Your Behalf
Collections Halted - Case Under Review
Day 1
Maria Bennett
Tax Resolution Specialist · 11 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
IRS Letter Reviewed
CP504 Notice Assessed. Clock Stopped.
Day 1
Financial Review Completed
Income & Expense Analysis Approved
Day 2
IRS Payment Plan Initiated
Installment Agreement Under Review
Day 3
James Holloway
IRS Resolution Attorney · 16 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
IRS Letter Received
Notice Type Identified. Action Plan Prepared.
Day 1
Power Of Attorney Filed
IRS Communication Redirected
Day 1
Resolution Strategy Prepared
Offer In Compromise Evaluation Started
Day 2
What happens when a bank levy hits
The IRS Does Not Warn You Twice. It Moves Fast.
If you feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. Start with the situation that matches what is happening right now, and you will land on the right next step.
The IRS Issues a Notice of Levy
A Final Notice of Intent to Levy was sent. You had 30 days. Most people miss it or freeze. That window is now closed.
act now
Your Bank Gets Notified
The IRS contacts your bank directly. Your account is frozen within 21 days. Penalties and interest keep adding up the whole time.
escalating
The 21-Day Hold Begins
Your bank holds the funds for 21 days before sending them to the IRS. This is your last real window before the money is gone.
critical
Funds Sent to the IRS
Once the hold period ends, the IRS collects. Rent, groceries, payroll. It does not matter. The balance is gone.
urgent
You Call Us, We Fight It
Your enrolled agent files immediately. We challenge the levy, request a release, and halt further collection. You stop dealing with the IRS today.
Protected
Tax relief is possible
Speak to a tax resolution expert today.
What a Bank Levy Actually Means for You
What Most People Get Wrong About Bank Levies
A bank levy is not the end of the road. There are legal ways to fight it, release it, or prevent the next one. Most people just never find out.
Common Myth
"Once my bank account is frozen, there is nothing I can do."
"The IRS levied my account, so I must owe exactly that amount."
"A bank levy means I need to go to court to fight it."
"If I set up a payment plan, the IRS will release my levy automatically."
The Reality
A bank levy can be challenged and released. You have a 21-day window before funds are sent to the IRS, and an enrolled agent can act fast within that period.
The IRS can miscalculate. Penalties and interest get stacked on top of the original debt. An enrolled agent reviews your full balance and disputes errors directly.
Bank levy releases are handled administratively. No courtroom, no judge. Your enrolled agent contacts the IRS directly and resolves it through the proper channels.
A levy release is not automatic with a payment plan. It requires a formal request and negotiation. We handle that whole process on your behalf.
Want to know if your levy can still be released?
Free consultation • No obligation • confidential
Do you qualify?
Find Out Today
Two quick questions. Then see your options.
Your Options
Find the Right IRS Resolution Program for Your Situation
Offer in Compromise
Can't pay in full
Tax debt is stressful, and tax relief is a serious decision. Our approach is built around clear communication, realistic options, and steady progress, so you understand what is happening and why.
Best for you if
You owe more than you can realistically ever pay back and your income and assets are limited.
Typical Timeline
6 to 12 months from application to IRS decision. Collections paused during review.
Installment Agreement
Pay over time
A structured monthly payment plan negotiated directly with the IRS. Stops collection pressure while giving you a clear, manageable path to resolve your tax balance over an agreed period.
Best for you if
You can afford to pay your debt over time but need a structured plan that stops IRS enforcement.
Typical Timeline
30 to 90 days to set up. Payments begin immediately once approved by the IRS.
Currently Not Collectible
Pause collections
If paying your tax debt would create serious financial hardship, the IRS can temporarily halt all collection activity, no levies, no garnishments, no calls, while your financial situation is reassessed.
Best for you if
You have no ability to pay right now due to hardship, unemployment, or essential living expenses.
Typical Timeline
Can be granted quickly. Status is reviewed periodically by the IRS as your situation changes.
Penalty Abatement
Reduce penalties
IRS penalties added to your debt can be removed or reduced if you meet eligibility criteria. Often granted for first-time compliance issues or reasonable cause. Reduces your total balance without affecting the underlying tax.
Best for you if
Your balance has grown significantly due to penalties and interest and you have a history of compliance.
Typical Timeline
Response from IRS typically within 30 to 60 days of submission. Can be requested by phone or letter.
Innocent Spouse Relief
Remove liability
If your spouse or former spouse created a tax liability without your knowledge or consent, you may be able to remove yourself from that debt entirely using the IRS Innocent Spouse Relief program.
Best for you if
You filed jointly with a spouse who understated income or claimed improper deductions without your knowledge.
Typical Timeline
6 months or more depending on complexity. An enrolled agent handles all IRS communication.
None of These Feel Like a Fit?
Let's figure it out together
Every tax situation is different. If none of the above programs feel like a clear fit, an enrolled agent will review your full case, identify every option the IRS offers, and tell you honestly what applies at no cost to you.
Best for you if
Anyone unsure of their options or whose situation feels too complicated to fit a single program.
Typical Timeline
Your free case review typically takes 30 minutes. No paperwork needed to get started.
Case Outcomes
real cases.
real outcomes.
Our client outcomes
Our process
What happens after you reach out to us
Case Review
You call or submit your info. An enrolled agent reviews your full situation, checks the levy status, and identifies the fastest path to a release. No paperwork required to get started.
We Take Over
Your agent contacts the IRS immediately. We file the levy release request, challenge the collection if possible, and shut down further enforcement while your case is being reviewed.
Resolution Debt
We negotiate directly with the IRS, confirm the levy release, and set up a long-term resolution so this does not happen again. You are kept in the loop the whole way through.
Why tax hardship center
Not just another firm that promises to help
IRS EA
Enrolled Agents
Federally licensed to represent you directly before the IRS, not just advisors
A+
BBB Rated
Accredited by the Better Business Bureau, verifiable, independent rating
50
States Licensed
Licensed to practice and represent clients in every state,federal and state tax issues
10,000+
Cases Resolved
Over a decade of resolving IRS and state tax cases across all 50 states
$0
Risk to You
We help you successfully resolve you case
2012
Established
Over a decade of experience, not a pop-up firm, a proven practice with a long track record
Ready to work with a team that stands behind its work?
Testimonials
Trusted Help, With Clear Communication
When the IRS freezes your bank account, you need someone who moves fast and talks straight. No vague promises, no runaround. We tell you exactly where you stand and what we are doing about it.
I review a lot of businesses. I am fair and want to provide information for people who genuinely are looking at a business to use for themselves. Regarding doing business with the Tax Hardship Center, it’s too good to be true but WOW. They helped me so much. I felt like I was out of a 10-year prison at the end. The feeling I had after they worked out all the issues I had with back tax penalties, etc., was just such a relief.
Special thanks to: Josh Bensimhon, Senior Tax Analyst, my first impression on the phone. After 2 months of searching, he was the first person that put me at ease. Jessy Zhu, Tax Preparer, for the speed and accuracy of getting the electronic form filled in and filed. Leslie Welch, Tax Preparation Associate, who clearly and precisely explained what my role was and the timeline I was on.
Gary M.
May 29th, 2024
G
Honestly I was really skeptical about getting involved with a company that deals with tax debts. After going down the tax debt resolution rabbit hole I saw so many horror stories other worrisome things, but I needed help.. badly. I got a notice of intent to levy and I knew if I did nothing my life would basically be over so I took a chance and prayed for the best.
I’m glad I did because it worked out better than I ever could have expected. Jeremy helped me understand my options and made the plan as well as the fees easy to understand and straight forward.
It ended up getting resolved better than I could have hoped for and I can finally sleep again.
I’m grateful to Jeremy, Kimberly, and the rest of my team. Thank you Tax Hardship Center
A F.
May 28, 2025
A
If you have unresolved tax issues, this is the company work with – I had a stellar experience and my tax issues were resolved in a much shorter time period than I had anticipated. Sarah, Alex and Clay were absolutely wonderful. All calls were returned promptly and they took the time to answer all questions I had. I very much appreciate their patience.
Katherine Hess was my case manager and she was absolutely wonderful to work with-she too answered all calls promptly and stayed in close contact every step of the way and her kindness, professionalism and patience were very much appreciated. I cannot recommend this company enough. If you have unresolved tax issues this is the company to work with-they go above and beyond for their clients!
Linda Little
Sep 20, 2025
L
I didn’t know if Tax Hardship could help me. I hadn’t filed tax returns in years and the IRS was sending me bills so I got scared and buried my head in the sand. I knew I had to do something about it when the letters started coming more frequently and seemed to be getting more aggressive. I decided to hire Tax Hardship and they were incredible.
My tax prepares got my returns filed quickly and the resolution team was a God send! They kept me updated throughout the process and answered all my questions. I’m now in “good standing” with the IRS
Alice P
June 06, 2026
A
20+ years of tax relief services.
Serving clients nationwide in all 50 states
Learn More
Understand Bank Levies Before You Call
If your account has been frozen or you just got a notice, these guides will tell you what is happening and what you can actually do about it.
Ignoring a missed IRS payment plan payment doesn’t make the notice disappear....
You owe the IRS money you don’t have sitting in your account,...
You set up a payment plan with the IRS, breathed easier, and...
One more thing
Every Day Without Action Costs You More
Your bank account does not stay frozen forever. The IRS has a 21-day window to collect what they seized. After that, it is gone. The longer you wait, the fewer options are left on the table. Taking the first step costs nothing. It commits you to nothing. But it could save your account.
confidential • No obligation • IRS enrolled agents • BBB A+ Rated
Frequently asked questions
Questions People Ask before they call us
Straight answers. No runaround.
What is an IRS bank levy and how does it work?
An IRS bank levy allows the IRS to freeze and seize funds directly from your bank account to collect unpaid tax debt. Before the money is sent to the IRS, the bank is generally required to hold the funds for a limited period. That window may provide an opportunity to explore options for resolving the issue and requesting a release.
How quickly can a bank levy be released?
The timeline depends on your situation and the resolution option being pursued. In some cases, a levy can be released relatively quickly once the IRS receives the necessary information and approves the request. Acting as soon as possible is important because timing matters.
Can the IRS levy my account without warning?
The IRS is generally required to send notices before issuing a bank levy. However, many taxpayers overlook or misunderstand those notices. By the time a levy occurs, the IRS has usually already completed the required notification process.
What happens if the IRS already took my money?
Once funds have been transferred to the IRS, recovering them can be difficult, but not always impossible. The available options depend on the facts of the case and whether the levy was issued correctly. Even if the funds cannot be recovered, steps can still be taken to prevent future levies.
Will setting up a payment plan release my bank levy?
A payment plan may support a levy release, but it does not automatically remove the levy on its own. Additional steps are often required to formally request and obtain the release. The IRS typically reviews the overall resolution before making a decision.
Can I stop a bank levy if I cannot pay the full amount?
Yes. Paying the entire balance is not the only way to address a levy. Depending on your financial situation, there may be other IRS programs or relief options that can help resolve the issue and support a levy release.
What is the 21-day hold and how does it help me?
When a bank receives an IRS levy, it generally holds the affected funds for 21 days before sending them to the IRS. This waiting period gives taxpayers a final opportunity to address the situation, explore relief options, and potentially request a release before the funds are transferred.
Do I have to deal with the IRS directly to get a levy released?
No. You can authorize a qualified tax professional to communicate with the IRS on your behalf. They can help review your options, submit the necessary requests, and manage the process so you do not have to handle it alone.