Can You Stop a Wage Garnishment?

If you’ve received a wage garnishment notice in the mail, you may be wondering if you have any options to stop the process. The IRS has the power to garnish your wages if you owe a considerable amount of back income taxes. However, there are relief options available that can help you stop the wage garnishment process. Working with a wage garnishment attorney Los Angeles business owners trust may provide you with solutions to this problem.

How Does Wage Garnishment Work?

Wage garnishment is typically the last resort a creditor will use to collect an unpaid debt. The IRS has the legal authority to begin garnishment if you have an outstanding tax bill that you have not attempted to repay. Generally, the agency will only take this step if there has been a considerable amount of time since the debt was incurred and if you have not responded to efforts to clear the account. In most cases, the IRS does not garnish the wages of taxpayers who communicate with agents and make an attempt to pay their debts.

If the garnishment process begins, your employer will receive an IRS notice with instructions to deduct a set amount of your wages and remit them to the agency. The IRS is only required to leave you with enough of your salary to cover your basic necessities, so the bulk of your pay may be garnished.

Ways to Stop Wage Garnishment

The good news is that there are a few ways to stop wage garnishment. If you’ve received a notice that garnishment may soon begin, contact the IRS immediately and try to set up a payment plan you can afford. If you do, the agency will usually halt the garnishment procedure. On the other hand, if your garnishment has already begun, the only way you can stop the process is to either quit your job or file for bankruptcy – both of which may have long-lasting consequences.

What if you disagree with the garnishment completely? You have the choice to contest it on certain grounds. If you’re unsure whether you have a case for exemption, talk with a qualified tax attorney Los Angeles taxpayers recommend. He or she can explain the criteria for each option and how you can meet the qualifications.