What steps should you take after receiving an IRS notice of intent to levy?
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I have a tax issue. I have had several attorneys. I hired the tax resolution company and they are really hard to communicate with. They charged me a fee, I signed a contract, and now they are asking for more money. I have a letter from the IRS for notice to levy. I need action.
I understand how stressful dealing with tax issues can be, especially when communication is difficult. Can you tell me what specific actions you would like to take regarding your situation with the tax resolution company?
I have a contract and they have not communicated well. My contract started on May 6th. I have an appointment with them this morning at 9, but when I called I only got their AI. I am frustrated. I need help with the IRS now. Speaking with them is done by appointment only. They never answer my questions regarding my case. I am frustrated. I honestly want a refund.
Have you already responded to the IRS notice to levy, or is this something you need assistance with?
I need help responding to the letter. I just got it on Saturday, 7/18/26.
Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your tax issue.
No.
Hi, I'm Joel Salas, an Enrolled Agent here to help you with your tax concerns. I understand you're having communication issues with the tax resolution company and have received a notice to levy from the IRS. You're also considering a refund from them. Is that correct?
Yes. Are we able to discuss this over the telephone?
You confirmed the issues with the tax resolution company and the need to address the IRS notice to levy. The notice requires a timely response to avoid collection actions such as bank levies or wage garnishment. Provide these details so I can guide the next steps: the exact date and type of the IRS notice, along with the tax years involved; the total amount the IRS claims you owe; what services your contract with the tax resolution company covers and the additional fees they now request; and any prior responses you have sent to the IRS. Once you share those items, we can prepare a response to the IRS and review your options for the contract.
Date of recent IRS letter: 6/29/2026. Four tax years owed, totaling $2,570,622.66. I signed a contract with the tax resolution company for their help with the IRS. Revenue Officer Representation, $7,500: representing me during revenue officer interactions, including forensic financial reviews, plus time for handling incomplete data or resubmissions, estimated 10 to 30 hours. Bank Levy Release Consideration, $7,000: analyzing my financials and preparing levy release requests, addressing incomplete documentation, handling rejections or resubmissions, estimated 8 to 25 hours. Exploratory and Forensic Analysis, $500: comprehensive forensic analysis to identify discrepancies, fraud risks, or other concerns, estimated 10 to 60 hours.
Additional fees: $21,000.00, citing that the case has escalated and they need more review and analysis. The analyst I spoke with said the IRS officer called us frauds. She said she had been in emergency hearings with the IRS officer, and that I had a new officer who was tougher than the last one.
Before signing the contract with the tax resolution company, I was speaking with the IRS officer directly, but I got scared. She was making demands, making me feel incompetent to address her. I have asked numerous times for a detailed explanation of who they have spoken to and what has happened. I have no response. I make appointments with them and they do not answer. I have no answers.
You have shared the IRS notice details dated June 29, 2026, along with the four tax years and balance of $2,570,622.66. Your contract with the tax resolution company covers revenue officer representation and levy release work for a combined fee plus the additional $21,000 now requested.
The IRS levy notice demands a prompt reply to protect your accounts and wages. Contact the revenue officer listed on the notice in writing within the stated deadline and request a collection alternative such as an installment agreement or currently-not-collectible status. Submit Form 9465, the Installment Agreement Request, if you seek an installment plan, and include a completed Form 433-A (or Form 433-B for a business), used to determine how a taxpayer can satisfy an outstanding tax liability, with supporting financial documents.
Mail or fax your response to the address or number on the notice and keep copies of everything sent.
- Call the revenue officer only after you have your written submission ready so you can reference it.
- Request in writing that all future IRS contacts go through your chosen representative once you secure new help.
The tax resolution company has not met the communication standards in your contract. Document every missed call and unanswered request for case status. You can file a complaint with the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility and pursue a refund through the contract terms or small claims court if needed.
Beyond what I've cited above, it's worth knowing the underlying authority behind all of this: the IRS's power to levy comes from (26 U.S. Code § 6331), which allows the Secretary to collect unpaid tax by levy upon a person's property if that person fails to pay within 10 days of notice and demand. Separately, once you get on a payment plan or otherwise resolve the account, it's worth tracking your Collection Statute Expiration Date, since (26 U.S. Code § 6502) generally gives the IRS only 10 years from assessment to collect a tax by levy or court proceeding, subject to certain extensions like an installment agreement.
Provide any other documents from the IRS or your contract if you want me to review next steps.
Does filing any of this with the IRS stop my clock, the CSED? If I fill anything out for the IRS, will this hurt the CSEDs?
Filing certain forms with the IRS can indeed affect the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED). For example, submitting an Offer in Compromise or requesting an installment agreement can suspend the CSED while the IRS considers your request. However, simply responding to a levy notice or providing financial information typically does not affect the CSED.
It's important to carefully consider the implications of any action you take. If you're concerned about the CSED, it might be beneficial to consult with a tax professional who can provide guidance specific to your situation.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. I'm here to help!
My CSEDs were June 3, 2026, November 2026, and March 2027. Which tax professional would be the best to ask? CPA, tax law attorney? Where do I go. The tax resolution company is not helping and as you can tell, I am desperate.
Given your situation, consulting with a tax attorney or an enrolled agent (EA) would be beneficial. A tax attorney can provide legal advice and representation, especially if you're dealing with complex issues or potential legal actions. An enrolled agent is a tax professional authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS and can assist with negotiations and filings.
You might also consider a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who specializes in tax issues, as they can offer detailed financial advice and help with tax planning.
If you need help finding a reputable professional, you can check with local or state bar associations for tax attorneys, or the National Association of Enrolled Agents for EAs.
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