Wage garnishment is one of the most aggressive actions the IRS can take to collect unpaid taxes. For many Georgia residents, the sudden loss of a portion of their paycheck due to garnishment can create a serious financial crisis. If you're facing this situation, working with experienced garnishment lawyers in Georgia may be the key to regaining financial control and protecting your income.
What Is IRS Wage Garnishment?
Wage garnishment, also known as a wage levy, is when the IRS legally requires your employer to withhold a portion of your paycheck and send it directly to the government to cover back taxes. The IRS doesn't need a court order to initiate this process — they only need to follow a specific sequence of notices.
The process typically begins when the IRS sends:
- A Notice and Demand for Payment
- A Final Notice of Intent to Levy and Notice of Your Right to a Hearing
Once these steps are completed and you don't respond within 30 days, the IRS can begin garnishing your wages. Depending on your income and allowable living expenses, this can leave you with far less than you need to cover essentials.
Why Wage Garnishment Happens
Wage garnishment is the IRS's way of enforcing tax collection when a taxpayer has failed to respond to other collection attempts. Common causes include:
- Unpaid federal income taxes
- Defaulted tax payment plans
- Ignoring previous IRS notices
- Incorrect or unfiled tax returns
The IRS takes wage garnishment seriously, and it can continue until the debt is paid in full or a resolution is reached.
How Garnishment Lawyers in Georgia Can Help
If you're living in Georgia and are facing wage garnishment from the IRS, you're not alone — and you do have options. Working with a garnishment lawyer can provide vital support in negotiating with the IRS and protecting your rights.
1. Immediate Relief from Garnishment
Garnishment lawyers can often get the IRS to pause or reduce the garnishment while exploring relief options. They can file necessary paperwork to request a Collection Due Process hearing, submit hardship claims, or negotiate a resolution such as an Offer in Compromise or Installment Agreement.
2. Thorough Case Review and Tax Analysis
An experienced attorney will analyze your tax records, income, and financial situation to understand the full scope of your IRS issue. This is crucial for creating a personalized strategy to resolve your garnishment and any underlying tax debt.
3. Negotiating With the IRS
Lawyers skilled in IRS negotiations understand what the agency looks for in hardship cases, payment plans, and settlement offers. They'll present your case professionally and ensure you're not taken advantage of or overwhelmed by IRS tactics.
4. Stopping Additional Collection Actions
Besides wage garnishment, the IRS may pursue other collection methods like bank levies or property liens. A garnishment attorney in Georgia can help you prevent or reverse these actions as part of a broader resolution strategy.
Wage Garnishment Hardship: Proving You Can't Afford It
In some cases, garnishment may leave you without enough income to pay for basic living expenses. When this happens, a lawyer can help you apply for Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status. This IRS hardship designation pauses all collection efforts, including garnishment, if you can demonstrate financial hardship.
This process typically involves submitting detailed financial documentation using Form 433-F or Form 433-A. A garnishment attorney can help you gather and present this information accurately and persuasively.
How to Choose the Right Garnishment Lawyer in Georgia
Not all tax professionals are the same. When choosing a garnishment lawyer, look for someone with:
- Experience with IRS wage garnishment cases
- Specific knowledge of Georgia state tax laws
- Strong negotiation skills with the IRS
- A track record of successful resolutions for clients
Firms like Hall's IRS Tax Relief offer specialized legal services for Georgians dealing with IRS wage garnishment. Their team of licensed professionals understands both federal and state tax laws and works to protect your income while finding a permanent solution.
Alternatives to Wage Garnishment
A garnishment lawyer can help you avoid or stop wage garnishment through several IRS-approved options:
- Installment Agreements – Set up a monthly payment plan to pay off tax debt gradually.
- Offer in Compromise (OIC) – Settle your debt for less than you owe if you meet strict financial qualifications.
- Innocent Spouse Relief – Avoid responsibility for a spouse's tax errors in certain cases.
- CNC Status – Temporarily halt all collections due to hardship.
Each of these options has specific qualifications and procedures, which is why legal guidance is essential.
Final Thoughts
IRS wage garnishment is a serious issue that can threaten your financial stability. Fortunately, help is available. Garnishment lawyers in Georgia specialize in stopping or reducing IRS collection actions and negotiating practical resolutions to your tax debt.
If you've received a notice of wage garnishment or fear the IRS is about to garnish your wages, act quickly. The longer you wait, the more challenging and costly it may become. Consult with an experienced IRS tax attorney who understands Georgia's legal landscape and can help you take the first steps toward financial relief and peace of mind.
