Question from Maria in Phoenix:
“I’m 67 and on Social Security. My accountant says I owe $15,000 from 2019. Can the IRS take my monthly payments?”

Short answer: Yes—and it can get worse than you think.
But only if you let it.

1. The Usual Rule: 15% Levy on Social Security

Most people think the IRS can only skim 15% off their Social Security check, and that’s mostly true. Through the Federal Payment Levy Program (FPLP), the IRS can automatically grab up to 15% without any human involvement.

If you’re getting $1,500 a month? Boom—they take $225.
Painful, sure. But survivable.

2. The Ugly Truth: Manual Levies Can Take Almost Everything

Here’s where it gets nasty…

If your case gets kicked over to a Revenue Officer, they can slap on a manual levy, which isn’t bound by the 15% limit.

All they’re required to leave you is $1,350/month for basic living expenses (as of 2025). Everything else? Fair game.

So if your benefit is $1,400… the IRS could legally take $50.
If you’re unlucky or ignored their letters? They might take the whole damn check.

3. Real Case: 100% Social Security Levy Eliminated

A few years ago I helped a senior who had their entire check levied. No rent money. No groceries. No medicine. Just fear.

Turns out, they were hit with a manual levy and it took awhile to deal with this case because no one filed a hardship request. We jumped in, and within days, got the levy stopped cold. Now they keep every penny, and their account is in Currently Not Collectible status.

Let me say that again:

💥 100% Social Security levy… gone.
💥 Check restored. Peace of mind returned.

4. What You Need to Do , Immediately

If the IRS is sniffing around your Social Security:

  • Don’t ignore letters—silence gives them permission.
  • Request hardship status using Form 433-F.
  • Apply for an installment agreement or CNC (Currently Not Collectible).
  • Appeal a levy fast if it leaves you with too little to live on.

Quick Scenarios:

  • Maria gets $1,500/month. Under FPLP, IRS takes $225.
  • Maria gets $1,400 and gets manually levied. IRS leaves $1,350, takes $50.
  • Maria ignores all notices. IRS manually levies the entire check—and Maria is left with nothing until we step in.

Bottom Line:

The IRS usually takes 15%…
But with a manual levy, they can take everything but the bare minimum.

And they will, unless you fight back.

Don’t wait until you’re staring at an empty bank account.
If you’re a senior on Social Security with tax debt—even if it’s old—call me. The sooner you act, the more money you keep.

👉 Call now: 909-570-1103
👉 Or book a consult: CallTaxEA.com