Can the IRS garnish my entire paycheck?

The IRS cannot legally take your entire paycheck, but it can garnish everything above the protected exempt amount determined by federal wage levy tables. That exempt amount is often much lower than most people expect and does not reflect real living costs. As a result, many taxpayers feel like nearly their entire paycheck is being taken, even though a small portion must legally remain protected.

Is a wage levy the same as wage garnishment?

Yes. A wage levy is the IRS's legal term for wage garnishment. Outside of tax law, most people use the term 'wage garnishment,' while the IRS uses 'levy.' Both describe the same action: the IRS requiring an employer to withhold wages and send them directly to the government to satisfy an unpaid federal tax debt.

How fast can an IRS wage garnishment begin?

Once the IRS issues a Final Notice of Intent to Levy (such as Letter 1058 or LT11) and the required response period has expired, wage garnishment can begin promptly. In many cases, withholding starts with the next pay cycle after your employer receives the levy notice. There is often little warning once that point is reached.

Will my employer be notified about the garnishment?

Yes. IRS wage garnishment is enforced by sending a levy notice directly to your employer. Employers are legally required to comply with IRS instructions and withhold wages accordingly. While employers are not told personal details about your tax situation, they will know that a federal wage levy is in place and must continue withholding until the IRS releases it.

Does this calculator include state garnishments or other withholdings?

No. This calculator estimates only the federal IRS wage garnishment. It does not include state tax levies, garnishments by creditors, child support, alimony, or other payroll deductions. Actual take-home pay may be lower if additional withholdings apply, but the calculator focuses solely on how the IRS calculates federal wage levy exemptions.

What if I have more than one job?

The IRS can issue wage levies to multiple employers simultaneously. Each employer may be required to withhold wages based on IRS instructions. This can significantly increase financial strain, especially if the protected exempt amount is applied separately. Understanding this risk early can help taxpayers assess urgency and potential resolution options.

Is this calculator a substitute for professional advice?

No. This calculator is a decision-support tool, not legal or tax advice. It provides estimates based on published IRS wage levy rules and exemption tables. Actual outcomes depend on IRS enforcement status, compliance history, and financial disclosures. Reviewing results with a qualified tax professional or tax resolution specialist can help clarify realistic next steps.

Offer in Compromise Eligibility Calculator

See Whether an IRS Tax Settlement Is Realistic for You

An Offer in Compromise is an IRS tax relief program that allows qualifying taxpayers to settle tax debt for less than the full amount owed — but only when the IRS determines the debt cannot be collected in full.

This Offer in Compromise Eligibility Calculator helps screen whether an OIC is realistic based on the same financial factors the IRS uses, including monthly income, living expenses, and assets.

What an Offer in Compromise Is — and Is Not

An Offer in Compromise may be appropriate when the IRS determines it cannot reasonably collect the full tax debt due to limited disposable income and insufficient asset equity, and when other collection options are not practical. However, an OIC is not approved based on hardship alone, is never guaranteed, is not automatically available because a balance is large, and is not the best solution for every taxpayer—making proper screening essential.

Illustration showing an Offer in Compromise form marked rejected, surrounded by money, assets, warning signs on documents, and a confused man consulting with a tax advisor.

Why Many Offers in Compromise Are Rejected

Most rejected OIC applications fail for avoidable reasons, including the following:

The IRS determines that a payment plan is affordable

Assets or income are understated

Required IRS forms are incomplete or inaccurate

The taxpayer is not filing a complaint

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Possible Results You May See

How to Interpret Offer in Compromise Viability

Limited disposable monthly income

Minimal accessible asset equity

Full balance unlikely collectible

Other resolution options may apply

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What Happens After You See Your Result

This calculator provides screening guidance, not a final IRS decision.

Next steps may include the following:

Reviewing IRS records

Confirming filing compliance

Verifying income, expenses, and assets

Preparing required IRS forms such as Form 656, Form 433-A, or Form 433-B (the IRS collection information statement)

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Offer in Compromise Eligibility Calculator

What This OIC Calculator Does

The calculator reviews high-level factors from the IRS Collection Process, including the following:

Step 1 — Basic Info

Step 2 — Monthly Situation

Step 3 — Assets & Filing

Step 4 — Bankruptcy

Not Applicable

Not Eligible Yet

Not Eligible During Bankruptcy

Your IRS Offer in Compromise Eligibility

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What You Entered

What an Offer in Compromise Is — and Is Not

Why Many Offers in Compromise Are Rejected

Possible Results You May See

What Happens After You See Your Result

Use the Calculator — Then Act

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Offer in Compromise Eligibility Calculator

What This OIC Calculator Does

The calculator reviews high-level factors from the IRS Collection Process, including the following:

Step 1 — Basic Info

Step 2 — Monthly Situation

Step 3 — Assets & Filing

Step 4 — Bankruptcy

Not Applicable

Not Eligible Yet

Not Eligible During Bankruptcy

Your IRS Offer in Compromise Eligibility

-

What You Entered

What an Offer in Compromise Is — and Is Not

Why Many Offers in Compromise Are Rejected

Possible Results You May See

What Happens After You See Your Result

Use the Calculator — Then Act

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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