The Wage Levy Formula - How Does the IRS Know How Much to Take

Quick and Dirty...The IRS can use a wage garnishment,on their W-4 would receive 172.12 + any deductions +
sometimes called a wage levy to get money straightchild support, if any; as income after a wage
from your gross pay check in order to payoff yourgarnishment is in effect. See IRS Publication 1494 [ for
IRS tax debt. There seems to be some mystery anda complete breakdown.
misconceptions' surrounding the wage garnishment andBecause a wage levy is a non-voluntary form of
there is some straight information on how a wagepaying back the government the taxpayer can not
garnishment works.designate where the levied money is to be applied.
How do they know what to take out? The IRS usesCan't you be fired...Some employers will threaten to fire
the following basic formula to figure out how muchan employee who has had their wages garnished. An
they're going to take out of your paycheck.employer who fires an employee because of an IRS
The formula is a follows: the amount deducted fromwage levy that employer can be fined $1,000 and/ or
you total expenses and filing status that you filed outface 1 year jail time.
on your W-4 form. The IRS then adds in yourTop Secret...The only exception is for employees that
standard deductions, and what's left beyond that ishave security clearance. For someone with security
what the IRS applies to your debt each pay period.clearance a tax lien or tax levy will cause their
The IRS will consider taking out less from your check ifemployment termination.
you can prove that you need additional funds to payYou can beat it...A wage levy is very difficult to live
the most basic bills. Also court ordered child support iswith and the IRS will make sure they can keep it in
exempt from being levied.effect as long as possible.
For example: a single person claiming only 1 exemptionNow you have the smoking gun...Use it!