--- title: "Bank Account Levy: Your Options" description: If you owe the IRS a significant amount of back taxes you may have received a notice about an upcoming IRS bank levy. Once this levy is placed on you image: https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/hs-fs/file-251671240-jpg/images/stressedwomansmall.jpg --- [(866)866-1555](tel:866-866-1555) | [Contact](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/contact-us) [![Top Tax Defenders](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/nov_15/ttd_logo_test_new.png?width=314&height=64&name=ttd_logo_test_new.png "Top Tax Defenders")](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com) # Tax Matters - The Top Tax Defenders Blog # Bank Account Levy: Your Options By Top Tax Staff | May 11, 2012 6:00:00 AM | [IRS Collections](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/irs-collections), [Tax Levies](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-levies) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F138958%2Fbank-account-levy-your-options%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F138958%2Fbank-account-levy-your-options%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F138958%2Fbank-account-levy-your-options%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F138958%2Fbank-account-levy-your-options%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Bank%20Account%20Levy%3A%20Your%20Options) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F138958%2Fbank-account-levy-your-options%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F138958%2Fbank-account-levy-your-options%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F138958%2Fbank-account-levy-your-options%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) If you owe the IRS a significant amount of back taxes you may have received a notice about an upcoming IRS bank levy. Once this levy is placed on your account it can be very difficult to have it removed especially if you try to settle your account on your own. A qualified tax specialist can help you learn how to release the levy from your bank account. ![remove tax levy](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/hs-fs/file-251671240-jpg/images/stressedwomansmall.jpg?width=127&height=182&name=stressedwomansmall.jpg) **What is an IRS Bank Levy?** In short, an IRS bank levy is a method the agency uses to recoup back tax debts. The levy allows the IRS to gain access to your bank account and withdraw funds directly from the account (without your consent) to repay your outstanding tax balance. A levy can be particularly devastating if you need the money in your account to pay other bills or expenses. Taxpayers who don't have enough funds in their bank accounts don't usually have to worry about bank levies but they may have their wages garnished instead. **How Does an IRS Bank Levy Work?** When the IRS decides to issue a levy the agency sends you a letter of intent. After you receive this letter you have a short window of time before the IRS will send a final letter of intent. Once you receive a final letter of intent you either have to pay the tax debt or set up a payment plan within 30 days. If you do not, the agency will move forward with the levy notifying your bank. Within 21 days your bank will begin releasing your funds to the IRS. **Options for How to Release an IRS Bank Levy** While it's best to try to settle your account before a levy is issued you do have a few options to try to release the levy from your bank account. You can remove the levy or stop it by establishing a repayment arrangement with the IRS. If you feel that the IRS is in error in reporting how much you owe you can appeal the levy at any time. It's to your advantage to appeal the levy before the 30 day period after the final letter of intent ends because this gives you the option to have a court hearing. A professional [tax resolution expert](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/) can help you decide which, if any, of these options are best for your specific situation. If you are facing an IRS tax levy you can still get it removed or settle it. 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