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The IRS has issued a Notice of Levy for taxes owed by another person or business other than yourself. This levy is attaching to your property and you believe that the person or business that owes the tax does not have a right to your property.
The IRS has issued a levy for taxes owed by another person or business that attaches to your property (such as funds from a bank account, Social Security benefits, wages, your car, your home, or other personal property). The IRS will continue with collection action unless you take action to alert IRS that this levy is wrongful.
This may include digital assets, find out more on digital assets and how this may apply to you.
The person or business listed on the Notice of Levy owes taxes. The IRS has issued the levy in an effort to collect the taxes.
Contact the IRS: If you believe the person or business that owes the taxes does not have interest in your property, call the number on the Notice of Levy or 1-800-829-1040.
Appeal: If the funds or property are not yet in IRS possession, as the third party whose property is subject to the collection action, you can request an appeal through the Collection Appeal Program. See Form 9423, Collection Appeal Request, for more information.
File an administrative wrongful levy claim under IRC 6343(b): If the funds or property are in IRS possession, your only recourse is to request that the IRS consider returning the funds by filing an administrative wrongful levy claim. There is a time limit for making a claim.
See Publication 4528, Making an Administrative Wrongful Levy Claim Under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 6343(b), for more information on how to file your administrative claim.
See Publication 4235, Collection Advisory Offices Contact Information, for information on where to file your administrative claim.
If your claim is rejected, you have the right to appeal through the Collection Appeals Program (CAP).
Bring a civil action in District Court: You can file the civil action prior to filing an administrative claim; however, you may not pursue claims for damages under IRC 7426(h). If no administrative claim is filed the time limit for bringing a civil action in district court expires 2 years from the date of levy. However, if an administrative claim is filed, the time limit for bringing a wrongful levy suit is extended to the shorter of (1) 12 months from the date of filing of the claim or (2) six months from the mailing of the notice of claim disallowance.
Making an Administrative Wrongful Levy Claim Under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 6343(b)
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The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS. TAS helps taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS, makes administrative and legislative recommendations to prevent or correct the problems, and protects taxpayer rights. TAS helps all taxpayers (and their representatives), including individuals, businesses, and exempt organizations. You may be eligible for free TAS help if your IRS problem is causing financial difficulty, if you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or if you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should.
TAS has offices in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To find your local advocate’s number:
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) assist individuals whose income is below a certain level who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. They also provide education, outreach, and information on taxpayer rights to individuals who speak English as a second language. LITCs represent taxpayers in disputes before the IRS and courts and help taxpayers respond to IRS notices and correct account problems. Services are offered for free or a small fee. LITCs are independent from the IRS and TAS. For more information or to find an LITC near you, see the LITC Page or Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List. You can also request Pub. 4134 by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
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