---
title: IRS Levy Release: How to Get Your Money Back | TaxTruce
url: https://taxtruce.com/coverage/levy-release
updated: 2026-10-29
---

# Get an IRS levy released

The IRS must release a levy in some cases.

Updated October 8, 20263 sources[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

The short answer

A levy is when the IRS takes your property to pay a tax debt. The IRS must release a levy in some cases, like when you set up a payment plan that does not allow it, or when the levy causes economic hardship.

## Who it fits

People whose bank account, pay, Social Security or other property is being taken by the IRS.

Who it fits
:   Bank or pay seized

Cost
:   No fee. Call the IRS number on your levy notice right away.

IRS form
:   Form 12153 for a hearing, if your notice gives you that right

## What to know first

**Banks hold the money 21 days**

When the IRS levies a bank account, the money is held for 21 days and then sent to the IRS.

**When the IRS must release**

If you paid, if the time to collect ran out, if you set up a plan that does not allow the levy, or if the levy causes economic hardship.

**What hardship means**

The levy keeps you from paying basic, reasonable living costs.

**You still owe the debt**

A release does not erase the balance. If you don't set up a way to pay, the IRS can levy again.

**You get notice first, usually**

The IRS usually sends a notice of intent to levy and your right to a hearing at least 30 days before a levy.

**You can appeal**

You can appeal before or after a levy. Publication 1660 explains your appeal rights.

## Common questions

Can I get money back after it went to the IRS?

You may file a claim to have levy money returned to you. If the IRS says no, you can appeal that too.

Source: [IRS: How do I get a levy released?](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/how-do-i-get-a-levy-released)

What can the IRS levy?

Wages, bank accounts, retirement accounts, Social Security, commissions and more. The IRS can also seize and sell a car, boat or house.

Source: [IRS: What is a levy?](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/what-is-a-levy)

Is a levy the same as a lien?

No. A lien is a legal claim on your property. A levy actually takes it.

Source: [IRS: What is a levy?](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/what-is-a-levy)

Results depend on your situation. Not every case qualifies.

## More guides

[**How does an IRS bank levy work?**](/answers/how-does-an-irs-bank-levy-work)[**How do I get an IRS bank levy released?**](/answers/how-do-i-get-a-bank-levy-released)[**Can the IRS levy if it causes hardship?**](/answers/can-the-irs-levy-if-it-causes-hardship)[**Can the IRS levy my bank account without notice?**](/answers/can-the-irs-levy-my-bank-without-notice)[**What is the difference between a levy and a lien?**](/answers/levy-vs-lien)

## Sources

1. [IRS: What is a levy?](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/what-is-a-levy)
2. [IRS: Levy](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/levy)
3. [IRS: How do I get a levy released?](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/how-do-i-get-a-levy-released)

Other ways to get help

## Compare with the others

[Can't pay in full

### Offer in compromise

Ask the IRS to take less than you owe. Hard to get.

See offer in compromise](/coverage/offer-in-compromise)[Can pay over time

### Payment plan

Pay what you owe a little each month.

See payment plan](/coverage/installment-agreement)[Can't pay at all

### Not collectible

The IRS pauses collection while money is too tight.

See not collectible](/coverage/currently-not-collectible)

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