IRS Bank Levy — Recover Your Frozen Bank Funds
When the IRS levies your bank account, the bank freezes your funds for 21 days before sending them to the IRS. Those 21 days are your window to act. With the right steps, you can recover your frozen funds before they're transmitted.
How the IRS Handles This
The IRS sends Form 668-A to your bank. The bank immediately freezes up to the levy amount. After 21 days, the bank transmits the funds to the IRS unless a release (Form 668-D) is received.
DIY Steps to Resolve This
- 1
Call the IRS immediately to determine your balance and options
- 2
Request an emergency levy release citing economic hardship
- 3
Verify whether any funds in the account are exempt (Social Security, VA benefits)
- 4
Enter a resolution agreement to prevent future levies
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