Segal, Cohen & Landis, P.C.
Stop the IRS from Taking Your Money — We Release Levies Fast
IRS tax attorneys — Beverly Hills, CA. National representation.
An IRS tax levy is one of the most disruptive actions the government can take against a taxpayer. A bank levy freezes your account — every dollar in it at the time of the levy can be seized and sent to the IRS. A wage garnishment takes a portion of every paycheck until the debt is paid, often leaving you unable to cover basic living expenses. At Segal, Cohen & Landis, we move quickly on levy cases. Our attorneys know exactly which grounds support a levy release and how to approach the IRS to get funds unfrozen and garnishments stopped while we work toward a permanent resolution of the underlying debt.
How We Help
Our Approach to IRS Tax Levy Attorney
Bank Levy Release
A bank levy creates a 21-day hold on funds in your account. We act immediately — contacting the IRS to establish grounds for release, submitting financial documentation, and negotiating a levy release before the 21-day window closes. Our goal is to get your account unfrozen and resolve the underlying issue before a second levy hits.
Wage Garnishment Release
The IRS can garnish wages continuously — paycheck after paycheck — until the debt is paid in full or the garnishment is released. We file for release immediately, typically by negotiating a collection alternative (installment agreement, OIC, CNC status) that the IRS will accept in place of the garnishment.
Other Levy Types
Beyond bank accounts and wages, the IRS can levy retirement accounts, business receivables, Social Security benefits, rental income, and more. We defend all levy types using the same fast-response approach.
Underlying Debt Resolution
A levy release stops the immediate bleeding — but the underlying debt remains. We combine levy release with a permanent resolution strategy: installment agreement, Offer in Compromise, penalty abatement, or Currently Not Collectible status. The goal is stability, not just a temporary pause.
How It Works
The Resolution Process
Emergency Response
Call us the moment you receive a levy notice or discover your account is frozen. Time matters. A bank levy has a 21-day window; a wage levy is continuous. We begin work immediately.
Grounds Assessment
We review your IRS account transcripts and the levy notice to identify available grounds for release — financial hardship, collection alternative, levy notice procedural error, or innocent spouse claim.
IRS Contact
We contact the IRS Revenue Officer or ACS (Automated Collection System) assigned to your case and negotiate the levy release, typically contingent on a proposed resolution (installment agreement, OIC application, CNC status documentation).
Long-Term Resolution
Once the levy is released, we work with you on a permanent resolution to prevent future collection action.
Ready to Resolve Your Tax Problem?
Our attorneys have helped thousands of clients resolve IRS matters. Your consultation is free and confidential.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can you get a levy released?+
Bank levy releases can often be achieved within 24 to 72 hours if we can establish a collection alternative or financial hardship. We treat levy cases as emergencies and move accordingly.
What is the 21-day bank levy hold?+
When the IRS levies a bank account, the bank places a 21-day hold on the funds. The money is not gone yet — it is being held. This 21-day window is our opportunity to negotiate a release before the funds are surrendered to the IRS.
Can the IRS levy my retirement account?+
Yes. The IRS can levy IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement accounts. While there are some procedural protections, retirement accounts are not immune from IRS levy. We work to prevent retirement levies before they happen.
What are valid reasons the IRS must release a levy?+
The IRS is required to release a levy if: (1) releasing it will facilitate collection, (2) the taxpayer enters a payment arrangement, (3) the levy is creating economic hardship, (4) the fair market value of the property exceeds the tax debt and releasing part will not hinder collection, or (5) the levy was procedurally improper.
Can the IRS levy after I set up a payment plan?+
The IRS generally suspends levies once an installment agreement is in effect. However, defaulting on the agreement can restart collection action. We structure agreements to be sustainable and help prevent default.
Further reading
Beverly Hills · Los Angeles · National
Segal, Cohen & Landis, P.C.
9100 Wilshire Boulevard, 601 East Tower, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Free Confidential Consultation