IRS Account Transcript for Wage Garnishment Prevention: Key Steps
The IRS can garnish wages when tax debts remain unpaid, but this process does not begin without warning. Before the IRS can withhold any portion of your paycheck, the agency must follow strict notice and timeline requirements. One document—the IRS account transcript—gives you a clear view of where you stand in this process. It shows your tax balances, payment history, and any collection notices that have already been issued. Understanding your IRS account transcript is a critical step in wage garnishment prevention. This record helps you see whether the IRS has sent initial collection notices or a Final Notice of Intent to Levy. If you act before deadlines expire, you can often stop or entirely prevent a wage levy. With the correct information, taxpayers can request payment plans, apply for hardship status, or explore other options before collection enforcement begins. This guide explains how to use your IRS account transcript to protect your wages. You will learn how to get an IRS transcript online or by mail, how to read it for early warning signs, and what to do if collection notices appear. We also cover legal rights, employer responsibilities, and resolution strategies so you can confidently address tax debts and keep more of your paycheck.
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