IRS Is Taking Action
The IRS Is Already Taking Your Paycheck. That Stops Today.
We Move Fast - Because Every Paycheck Counts
Garnishment relief is time-sensitive. We start working on day one.
URGENT
You Never Talk to the IRS Again
We handle every call, every notice, every piece of communication.
HANDS-OFF
Your Income Gets Protected While We Work
We stop the garnishment first. Then we resolve the debt behind it.
PROTECTED
David Lawrence
IRS Enrolled Agent - 14 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
Wage Garnishment Identified
IRS collecting 25% of every paycheck.
Day 1
Agent Assigned
David Lawrence taking over. Power of attorney filed.
Day 1
Garnishment Halted
Employer hold submitted. Income protected.
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
How wage garnishment actually happens
By the time they touch your paycheck, it has already been a long road
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 First Notice Arrives
A CP14 or CP503 lands in your mailbox. Most people ignore it or assume they have time. This is the moment the IRS clock starts running.
act now
Follow-Up Notices Begin
Each ignored notice moves you closer to enforcement. Penalties and interest keep adding up. The IRS is not waiting for you to feel ready.
escalating
Final Notice of Intent to Levy
This is the last warning. Once this goes out, the IRS has the legal authority to contact your employer directly. The window to stop it without disruption is almost closed.
critical
Enforcement Begins
The IRS sends a levy notice to your employer. They are legally required to comply. A portion of every paycheck starts going to the IRS automatically. You may not even know it happened.
urgent
You Call Us, We Step In
Your enrolled agent contacts the IRS immediately, files for garnishment release, and stops further enforcement. Most garnishments can be stopped within 24 to 48 hours of us stepping in.
Protected
Tax relief is possible
Speak to a tax resolution expert today.
What People Get Wrong About Wage Garnishment
The Assumptions That Keep People Stuck Longer Than They Need to Be
Wage garnishment feels final. Like there is nothing left to do. But that is almost never true. The IRS has a process for this. So do we.
Common Myth
"Once my employer is notified, the garnishment cannot be stopped."
"I have to pay the full debt to get the garnishment lifted."
"My employer will fire me because of this."
"I have waited too long. There is nothing I can do now."
The Reality
Wage garnishments can be released. An enrolled agent can file for release and halt the garnishment, sometimes within 24 to 48 hours.
You do not need to clear the full balance to stop the garnishment. Entering a payment agreement or proving hardship can be enough to release it.
It is illegal for your employer to fire you because of a single wage garnishment. That protection exists under federal law.
Even after garnishment has started, there are still paths to resolution. The earlier you act from this point forward, the better your options.
Still unsure if your garnishment can be stopped?
Free consultation • No obligation • confidential
Do you qualify?
Find Out Today
Two quick questions. Then see how we can stop it.
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 garnishments.
Real relief.
What happened after our clients stopped losing part of every paycheck.
Our process
From your first call to garnishment stopped, here is the process
We Review Your Case
You share your details. An enrolled agent reviews your garnishment situation, identifies the debt behind it, and tells you exactly what can be done. No paperwork. No commitment.
We File for Garnishment Release
Your agent contacts the IRS directly, files for a release of the garnishment, and takes over all communication. Your employer gets notified. The deductions stop.
We Resolve the Debt
With garnishment stopped, we go after the root problem. We negotiate with the IRS using every available program until the underlying debt is resolved and you are clear.
Why tax hardship center
The team that actually knows how to stop a garnishment fast
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 stop losing part of your paycheck?
Testimonials
Trusted Help, With Clear Communication
When you are dealing with the IRS, you need clarity and follow through, not vague promises.
We focus on realistic options, straightforward communication, and a structured path from first call to resolution.
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
If You Got a Letter, Start Here
These guides will help you understand what the IRS is actually doing, what your notice type means, and what you can realistically do about it.
You do not decide what counts as a necessary expense when you...
You’ve got a notice, a nagging feeling, or a lender asking for...
Ignoring a missed IRS payment plan payment doesn’t make the notice disappear....
One more thing
Every Paycheck They Take Is Money You Do Not Get Back.
Wage garnishment does not pause while you think about it. Every week you wait is another deduction. The IRS keeps taking until the debt is resolved or someone steps in to stop it. We can step in today. The first call costs you nothing and commits you to nothing.
You have already lost enough paychecks. Let us stop it now.
confidential • No obligation • IRS enrolled agents • BBB A+ Rated
Frequently asked questions
Questions People Ask before they call us
Straight answers. No runaround.
Can IRS wage garnishment actually be stopped once it has started?
Yes. An IRS wage garnishment can often be stopped even after deductions have already begun. Depending on your situation, options such as a payment plan, hardship status, or other relief programs may qualify you for a garnishment release. Acting quickly is usually the best way to protect your income.
How much of my paycheck can the IRS legally take?
The IRS uses a formula based on factors such as your filing status and dependents to determine how much of your income is protected. The remaining amount may be subject to garnishment. The exact figure varies from person to person.
How long does an IRS wage garnishment last?
A wage garnishment generally continues until the tax debt is resolved or the IRS agrees to release it. Without action, deductions can continue for an extended period. The sooner you address the issue, the sooner you may be able to explore alternatives.
Can my employer fire me because of a wage garnishment?
Generally, no. Federal law provides protections for employees who are subject to a single wage garnishment. While a garnishment can be stressful, it does not automatically put your job at risk.
What is the difference between a wage garnishment and a bank levy?
A wage garnishment takes money directly from your paycheck on an ongoing basis. A bank levy, on the other hand, allows the IRS to seize funds from your bank account. Both are collection tools, but they work in different ways.
Do I have to pay the full tax debt to stop the garnishment?
No. Paying the debt in full is not the only way to obtain relief. Depending on your circumstances, the IRS may release a garnishment when another approved resolution option is put in place.
How fast can an enrolled agent stop a wage garnishment?
Every case is different, but garnishment issues are often addressed quickly because they affect your income. Once the IRS reviews and approves the appropriate request, a release can be issued and communicated to your employer.
Will setting up a payment plan stop my wage garnishment?
In many cases, yes. An approved installment agreement is one of the most common ways to resolve an active wage garnishment. Once an agreement is in place, the IRS often no longer needs to collect directly from your paycheck.
What happens if I just leave the garnishment in place?
The IRS will generally continue taking a portion of each paycheck until the debt is resolved. Interest and penalties may continue to accrue on any remaining balance. For many taxpayers, exploring resolution options can provide more flexibility and financial stability.
Can I stop a garnishment if I have unfiled tax returns?
Possibly, but unfiled returns will usually need to be addressed as part of the overall resolution process. Bringing your filings current is often an important step toward qualifying for long-term relief and resolving the underlying tax debt.