How long does the IRS resolution process take?

It depends on the complexity of your case. Payment plans typically take 4-8 weeks, Offer in Compromise cases take 6-9 months, and audit representation takes 3-6 months. Most cases resolve within 2-4 months from start to finish.

Can the IRS take my home, car, or business?

The IRS can seize property, but they rarely do. However, they will levy bank accounts, garnish wages, and place liens on property if you ignore the problem. Once you engage professional representation, the IRS typically pauses aggressive collection activity. We've never had a client lose their home or business while working with us.

What if I can't afford to pay anything right now?

You have several options including Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status, Offer in Compromise (OIC), or a Partial Payment Installment Agreement. The key is don't ignore the IRS - even if you can't pay, we can negotiate protection.

What's the difference between a CPA and an Enrolled Agent?

Both can represent you before the IRS. CPAs have broad accounting expertise and focus on tax strategy and financial planning. Enrolled Agents are federally licensed by the IRS specifically for tax representation. Our advantage: Frank (CPA) + Lori (EA) = dual expertise in one team.

How much does IRS resolution cost?

Typical ranges: Back tax returns $500-$1,500 per year, Payment plans $2,500-$5,000, Offer in Compromise $5,000-$10,000+, Audit representation $3,000-$8,000+. We quote flat fees upfront with no hidden charges or hourly billing.

Will I ever have to talk to the IRS?

No. Once you hire us, we file a Power of Attorney (Form 2848) with the IRS. All IRS communication goes through us, and you never have to speak to an IRS agent unless you choose to.

I haven't filed taxes in years. Can you help?

Yes. This is one of the most common situations we handle. We prepare and file all missing returns, calculate your actual tax liability, set up a resolution, and build systems to keep you current going forward.

Can I settle my tax debt for pennies on the dollar?

Maybe, but not as dramatically as ads suggest. The IRS accepts only 25-40% of Offer in Compromise applications. You must prove you can't pay the full amount based on income, expenses, and assets. We'll tell you honestly whether you qualify and find the best solution for your situation.

I'm being audited. Should I be worried?

Not if you have professional representation. We handle both correspondence and field audits by reviewing your return, gathering documentation, preparing responses, negotiating with IRS examiners, and appealing unfavorable determinations if necessary.

What industries do you specialize in?

We specialize in real estate investors/developers, construction companies and contractors, and high-income professionals needing proactive tax planning and CFO advisory.

Do you work with clients outside Michigan?

Yes. We serve clients nationwide through secure virtual meetings and a digital client portal.

Do you provide IRS tax resolution services?

Yes. Our IRS resolution work is delivered through FixIRSTax™, the IRS Resolution Division of Strategic Planning Advisors, led by a CPA and an EA.

Do you offer a complimentary strategy call?

Yes. We start with a short discovery call to confirm fit and outline next steps for tax planning, CFO advisory, or IRS resolution.

What credentials does your team hold?

Our leadership holds CPA (Certified Public Accountant), EA (Enrolled Agent), CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant), CITP (Certified Information Technology Professional), and CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) credentials.

FixIRSTax.com | Tax Resolution Division

Free Consultation

248-985-8100

IRS Taking Your Paycheck?
We'll Stop It.

Wage garnishment is devastating. You can't pay bills, feed your family, or keep up with rent. Here's how we stop the IRS and get your full paycheck back.

What Is IRS Wage Garnishment?

IRS wage garnishment (also called a "wage levy") is when the IRS legally requires your employer to send a portion of your paycheck directly to them — before you ever see it.

How Much Can They Take?

The IRS is far more aggressive than typical creditors:

Regular creditors: Limited to 25% of disposable income
The IRS: Can take 25-70% depending on filing status and dependents

The IRS uses Publication 1494 tables that leave you only a bare minimum for living expenses. Most people lose 50-70% of their paycheck.

How Long Does It Last?

Until the tax debt is paid in full — or until you negotiate a release. The garnishment continues every single paycheck, indefinitely. Your employer is legally required to comply or face penalties themselves.

⚠️ Your Employer Knows

Wage garnishment is not private. Your employer receives an official IRS levy notice and must comply. This can be embarrassing and, in some cases, jeopardize your job (especially in financial or security-sensitive roles).

How We Stop Wage Garnishment

1

File Immediate Levy Release Request

We submit Form 668-D (Release of Levy) to the IRS based on economic hardship. We document that the garnishment is preventing you from meeting basic living expenses (rent, food, utilities, transportation). The IRS must review hardship requests expeditiously.

2

Get You Compliant

The IRS won't release a garnishment unless you're current with all filings and (if self-employed) making estimated tax payments. We file any missing returns immediately and verify compliance.

3

Negotiate Permanent Resolution

Stopping the garnishment is temporary unless we resolve the underlying debt. We negotiate:

Installment Agreement: Affordable monthly payment plan (garnishment released immediately upon approval)
Offer in Compromise: Settle for less than you owe (if you qualify)
Currently Not Collectible: Temporarily pause all collections due to financial hardship

4

Garnishment Released

Once we secure a resolution agreement, the IRS releases the wage levy. Your employer receives a release notice (Form 668-D), and your next paycheck returns to normal. Timeline: 1-3 weeks in most cases.

Real Result: Single Parent, 70% Garnishment Stopped

The Problem:

$32,000 in back taxes (2019-2021)
IRS garnishing 70% of paycheck ($2,100 out of $3,000/month take-home)
Single parent with 2 dependents
Couldn't afford rent or groceries
Facing eviction

What We Did:

Filed immediate economic hardship release request with rent/utility bills as proof
Prepared and filed missing 2022 return to bring client current
Negotiated 72-month installment agreement ($445/month)
Applied for penalty abatement (first-time + reasonable cause)

The Result:

Garnishment released in 9 days
Penalties abated: $6,200
Final debt: $25,800
Payment plan: $445/month (affordable vs. $2,100/month garnishment)
Client kept her apartment and regained financial stability

"I was about to lose my apartment. Lori stopped the garnishment in a week and got me a payment I can actually afford. I have my life back."

Wage Garnishment Questions Answered

How much can the IRS garnish from my paycheck?

The IRS can garnish 25-70% of your disposable income, depending on your filing status and number of dependents. This is calculated using IRS Publication 1494 tables, which leave only a minimal amount for basic living expenses. For example, a single person with no dependents might lose 70% of their paycheck, while a married person with 3 dependents might lose 40%. This is much more aggressive than typical creditor garnishments (limited to 25%).

How fast can you stop an IRS wage garnishment?

If we can demonstrate genuine economic hardship and propose a viable resolution (payment plan, OIC, or CNC status), we can often stop a garnishment within 1-2 weeks. In emergency situations where eviction or utility shutoffs are imminent, we can sometimes expedite this to 3-5 business days. The key is acting immediately — the longer the garnishment continues, the more damage it does.

Can I stop the garnishment myself?

Technically yes, but it's extremely difficult. The IRS requires specific forms, financial documentation, and proof of hardship. Most people who try to handle this themselves either: (1) fill out the forms incorrectly and get denied, or (2) wait too long while trying to figure it out, losing thousands in the meantime. Professional representation moves much faster because we know exactly what the IRS needs and how to present it. We also have direct lines to IRS personnel that taxpayers can't access.

Will my employer fire me because of the garnishment?

Legally, no. Federal law (Title III of the Consumer Credit Protection Act) prohibits employers from firing you solely because of a single garnishment. However, multiple garnishments can be grounds for termination. That said, wage garnishment can still hurt your employment — especially in financial services, government, or security-sensitive roles where tax compliance is scrutinized. The sooner we stop it, the better.

What if I can't afford a payment plan after the garnishment stops?

If you genuinely can't afford any monthly payment, we pursue Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status. This temporarily pauses all IRS collection activity (including garnishments) while you're experiencing financial hardship. The debt doesn't go away, but the IRS won't actively pursue you. We can also explore Offer in Compromise if you qualify to settle for less than you owe. The goal is to find a resolution you can actually live with.

Can the IRS garnish Social Security or retirement income?

Yes. The IRS can levy (garnish) Social Security benefits, but they're limited to 15% under the Federal Payment Levy Program (FPLP). They can also levy retirement accounts (401(k), IRA) and pension payments. However, certain benefits are exempt from IRS levy: SSI (Supplemental Security Income), unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, and certain federal benefits. If you're on fixed income, we emphasize hardship arguments and pursue CNC status or minimal payment plans.

7

Stop Losing Your Paycheck.
Call Us Now.

Every day you wait, you lose more money. Let's stop the garnishment and get you a resolution you can live with.

Schedule Emergency Consultation

📞 Or call: 248-461-3120

Real People. Real Problems. Real Results.

See how we've helped clients just like you resolve IRS problems — and build systems to prevent them.

🏘️

Real Estate Investor, Midwest

Residential rental properties (12 units)

The Problem:

Failed to file tax returns for 3 years (2020–2022)
Estimated tax debt: $140,000 (including penalties and interest)
Received IRS Notice of Intent to Levy (bank account seizure imminent)
Previous CPA retired and handed off incomplete files
Client was paralyzed by fear and didn't know where to start

The Discovery:

Client qualified for Real Estate Professional Status (REPS) — which could significantly reduce taxable income
Client had been treating rental losses passively when they should have been active
Penalties were eligible for reasonable-cause abatement due to CPA transition

The Resolution:

Compliance: Prepared and filed 3 years of back returns with corrected REPS treatment
Strategy: Applied for penalty abatement (first-time and reasonable cause)
Negotiation: Set up 72-month installment agreement

Outcome:

Tax liability reduced from $140K to $94K (cost segregation + REPS adjustments)
Penalties abated: $18,000
Final payment plan: $1,306/month for 6 years
Levy released within 10 days

Timeline: 9 weeks from discovery call to signed installment agreement

"I thought I was going to lose everything. Frank and Lori didn't just stop the IRS — they gave me a plan I could actually live with. I sleep at night now."

Prevention:

Client enrolled in Annual Service Plan (ASP)
Set up quarterly estimated tax system
Transitioned bookkeeping to BriteBooks360 for monthly financial clarity

🏗️

Construction Contractor, Southeast Michigan

Commercial concrete and masonry

The Problem:

$87,000 in unpaid payroll taxes (Trust Fund Recovery Penalty assessed personally against owner)
Business had experienced rapid growth but cash flow couldn't keep up
Owner had been "borrowing" from payroll tax deposits to cover job costs
IRS Revenue Officer assigned to the case (serious enforcement stage)
Business bank account levied — payroll almost missed

The Discovery:

Client was current on all filings but couldn't afford to pay what was owed
Business was still profitable — cash flow issue, not revenue issue
Penalties represented 32% of total debt

The Resolution:

Compliance: Verified all payroll tax deposits were current going forward (critical for negotiation)
Strategy: Applied for penalty abatement (first-time penalty abatement + reasonable cause)
Negotiation: Set up 60-month installment agreement with manageable monthly payment

Outcome:

Penalties abated: $22,000
Final debt: $65,000
Payment plan: $1,083/month for 5 years
Business bank levy released immediately
Personal liability reduced

Timeline: 8 weeks from discovery to signed agreement

"I was terrified I'd lose my business and my house. Lori handled the IRS so I could focus on running my company. She saved me."

Prevention:

Client enrolled in BriteBooks360 CFO services for monthly cash flow tracking
Set up dedicated payroll tax savings account (automatic weekly transfers)
Quarterly tax planning sessions to avoid future shortfalls

💼

Entrepreneur (Multi-Entity Owner), Nationwide

E-commerce + consulting business

The Problem:

IRS audit notice for 2021 tax year
Claimed $78,000 in home office and vehicle expenses
Inadequate documentation (no mileage logs, minimal receipts)
Previous tax preparer had been aggressive with deductions
Client feared owing $30K+ in additional taxes plus penalties

The Discovery:

Client had legitimate business expenses but poor record-keeping
Some deductions were overstated; others were under-claimed
Entity structure (sole proprietor) was costing client thousands in self-employment tax annually

The Resolution:

Audit Defense: Reconstructed expense documentation using bank statements, calendar entries, and invoices
Negotiation: Worked directly with IRS auditor to substantiate allowable deductions
Strategy: Proposed alternative calculations where original documentation was incomplete

Outcome:

Additional tax assessed: $8,400 (vs. $30K+ feared)
No penalties (reasonable-cause exception granted)
Audit closed within 4 months
Payment plan set up: 24 months

Timeline: 16 weeks from audit notice to closure

"Frank didn't just defend me in the audit — he showed me how to never be in this position again. Best money I've ever spent."

Prevention:

Client converted to S Corp structure (saving $12K+ annually in self-employment tax)
Enrolled in Annual Service Plan (ASP) with quarterly tax planning
Implemented proper expense tracking system (Receipt Bank integration)

👤

Divorced Individual, Innocent Spouse Relief

Former spouse owned construction business

The Problem:

$210,000 tax debt from jointly filed returns (2018–2020)
Ex-spouse had underreported business income and hidden cash transactions
Client had no knowledge of tax fraud (signed returns trusting spouse)
Wages being garnished at 25%
Client's personal credit destroyed by tax lien

The Discovery:

Client qualified for Innocent Spouse Relief (Form 8857)
Clear evidence of lack of knowledge and benefit from unreported income
Divorce decree assigned tax debt to ex-spouse

The Resolution:

Strategy: Prepared detailed Innocent Spouse Relief request with supporting affidavits, financial records, and divorce documentation
Negotiation: Submitted request with comprehensive evidence package

Outcome:

Full relief granted — $210,000 liability eliminated for client
Wage garnishment released immediately
Tax lien removed from client's credit report
Ex-spouse remains liable for full debt

Timeline: 11 months from initial filing to final determination (IRS Innocent Spouse cases are lengthy, but worth it)

"Lori gave me my life back. I was drowning in debt that wasn't even mine. Now I'm free."

Prevention:

Client now files separately
Annual tax review to ensure ongoing compliance

IRS Taking Your Paycheck?We'll Stop It.

Wage garnishment is devastating. You can't pay bills, feed your family, or keep up with rent. Here's how we stop the IRS and get your full paycheck back.

What Is IRS Wage Garnishment?

How Much Can They Take?

How Long Does It Last?

How We Stop Wage Garnishment

File Immediate Levy Release Request

Get You Compliant

Negotiate Permanent Resolution

Garnishment Released

Real Result: Single Parent, 70% Garnishment Stopped

The Problem:

What We Did:

The Result:

Wage Garnishment Questions Answered

How much can the IRS garnish from my paycheck?

How fast can you stop an IRS wage garnishment?

Can I stop the garnishment myself?

Will my employer fire me because of the garnishment?

What if I can't afford a payment plan after the garnishment stops?

Can the IRS garnish Social Security or retirement income?

Stop Losing Your Paycheck.Call Us Now.

Real People. Real Problems. Real Results.

Real Estate Investor, Midwest

The Problem:

The Discovery:

The Resolution:

Outcome:

Prevention:

Construction Contractor, Southeast Michigan

The Problem:

The Discovery:

The Resolution:

Outcome:

Prevention:

Entrepreneur (Multi-Entity Owner), Nationwide

The Problem:

The Discovery:

The Resolution:

Outcome:

Prevention:

Divorced Individual, Innocent Spouse Relief

The Problem:

The Discovery:

The Resolution:

Outcome:

Prevention:

Address:

IRS Taking Your Paycheck?
We'll Stop It.

Stop Losing Your Paycheck.
Call Us Now.