---
title: Can the IRS Garnish Social Security? 2026 Guide | TaxTruce
url: https://taxtruce.com/answers/can-the-irs-garnish-social-security
updated: 2026-10-29
---

# Can the IRS garnish Social Security?

Updated October 8, 20261 sourceTaxTruce team[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

The short answer

Yes. Through the Federal Payment Levy Program, the IRS can take up to 15% of certain Social Security benefits, or the exact amount owed if less. Call the IRS at 800-829-7650 or 800-829-3903 to resolve it. Don't call Social Security.

Hardship or another payment arrangement keeps your payments out of the program.

## Words to know

[Federal Payment Levy Program (FPLP)](/glossary)
:   An IRS program that takes part of certain federal payments, like some Social Security benefits, for tax debt.

## Sources

1. [IRS: Federal Payment Levy Program](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/federal-payment-levy-program)

Run the numbers with our [free tax tools](/tools), like the penalty and payment plan math.