How to Stop IRS Collection Actions and Wage Garnishments
Few things are more unsettling than seeing your paycheck shrink because the IRS has taken a portion of it. Wage garnishments and other collection actions can make an already stressful financial situation feel unbearable. The good news? You have rights — and there are real, legal ways to stop the garnishment and get back on track.
At Infinity Resolution, Michelle Hiller, EA, helps Texans protect their income, stop IRS collections, and negotiate fair, sustainable solutions. Whether you’ve received your first warning letter or the IRS has already started taking money from your wages, professional help can make all the difference.
What Triggers IRS Collection Actions
IRS collections usually begin when back taxes go unpaid and multiple notices are ignored. The IRS first sends a series of letters — starting with a balance due notice — followed by increasingly serious communications. Eventually, you may receive a Final Notice of Intent to Levy, which means the IRS can legally seize wages, bank funds, or property if no action is taken.
These notices can be confusing and intimidating, but they’re also an opportunity. If you respond before the IRS takes enforcement steps, there’s a good chance to stop or limit the damage.
For many taxpayers, the garnishment comes as a shock — but it’s typically the final step in a long chain of correspondence. Once it starts, your employer is required by law to send part of your paycheck directly to the IRS each pay period.
How Wage Garnishment Works
When a wage garnishment begins, the IRS calculates how much of your income you need for “basic living expenses” based on your filing status and number of dependents. The rest — sometimes 25%, 50%, or even more of your net pay — is withheld and sent to the government.
That garnishment continues until your tax debt is paid in full, or until you reach an agreement with the IRS to stop it. Unfortunately, most people cannot sustain their households under a long-term garnishment, which is why it’s crucial to seek professional assistance right away.
In addition to wages, the IRS can also levy:
Bank accounts, freezing and removing funds after a brief holding period.
Accounts receivable for self-employed individuals.
Social Security benefits and certain retirement income.
Assets such as vehicles or property in extreme cases.
Why Immediate Action Matters
The IRS doesn’t want to garnish your wages forever — it wants you to become compliant and start working toward a solution. Taking quick action not only protects your income but also shows the IRS that you’re willing to cooperate.
By contacting a qualified tax professional like Michelle Hiller, you can often stop the garnishment much sooner than if you try to handle it on your own.
Here’s why acting fast is essential:
Delays can worsen penalties and interest.
Your financial options narrow the longer you wait.
Prompt communication can halt or reverse a levy before funds are seized.
How Infinity Resolution Helps Texans Stop Wage Garnishments
Dealing with the IRS on your own can feel overwhelming. The rules are complex, and miscommunication can prolong or worsen the problem. That’s why professional representation is so important.
Michelle Hiller, EA, provides step-by-step guidance to help clients stop garnishments and resolve their debt for good.
Step 1: Assess Your IRS Account
Michelle begins by obtaining and reviewing your IRS transcripts to see exactly what’s owed and whether all tax returns have been filed. Often, the first step toward resolution is getting fully compliant.
Step 2: Contact the IRS to Stop the Garnishment
She immediately reaches out to the IRS on your behalf to request a collection hold or release of levy while exploring longer-term solutions. In many cases, garnishments can be suspended once a good-faith resolution process has begun.
Step 3: Negotiate the Right Solution
Depending on your financial situation, Michelle may recommend one of several relief options:
Installment Agreement to pay the balance in affordable monthly amounts.
Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status if you’re facing genuine financial hardship.
Offer in Compromise (OIC) if you qualify to settle for less than you owe.
Penalty Abatement if excessive fines have compounded the problem.
Step 4: Build a Long-Term Plan
Once the immediate crisis is handled, Michelle helps you stay compliant by ensuring future tax returns are filed on time and payments are made consistently. This proactive approach prevents the IRS from taking further action down the road.
The Advantage of Working with an Enrolled Agent
An Enrolled Agent (EA) is federally licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the IRS. This means Michelle can communicate directly with IRS officers, submit documentation, and negotiate resolutions on your behalf.
She brings years of experience in helping Texans navigate complex tax issues — from wage garnishments to liens and audits — with professionalism and calm precision.
Her goal isn’t just to stop the IRS from taking your paycheck; it’s to create a long-term plan that keeps you financially stable and compliant moving forward.
Preventing Future Collection Problems
Once your current issue is resolved, it’s important to take a few proactive steps to avoid falling behind again. Michelle encourages clients to:
Stay current with all future tax filings.
Set aside a portion of income for quarterly estimated taxes if self-employed.
Maintain communication with the IRS if financial circumstances change.
Schedule periodic reviews to ensure compliance remains intact.
These small habits can prevent another round of IRS notices or collections.
Take Control Before the IRS Does
Wage garnishments can create unnecessary stress, but they don’t have to define your financial future. With professional help, it’s possible to stop collections, negotiate fair repayment terms, and rebuild your financial stability.
At Infinity Resolution, Michelle Hiller, EA, provides the knowledge, skill, and professionalism Texans can rely on during difficult times. She understands how to navigate the IRS system — and how to protect what matters most: your income, your assets, and your peace of mind.
Infinity Resolution
Michelle Hiller, EA
Serving Houston and all of Texas
📞 (281) 796-1143
If you’re facing wage garnishment or other IRS collection actions, don’t wait another day. Contact Infinity Resolution for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.