Tax Levies in Bethesda

& Finding a Tax Levy Lawyer

A tax levy is a legal process by which the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) collects unpaid taxes from a taxpayer. The IRS may seize assets, such as property or wages, to satisfy the debt. This intervention is typically a last resort after other methods, such as payment plans or negotiations, have failed. The program is designed to collect as much of the unpaid tax bill as possible and minimize the financial impact on the taxpayer.

There are many scenarios in which the IRS may place a tax levy in Bethesda. This includes:

  • The taxpayer neglects or refuses to pay their taxes. If a taxpayer owes taxes and does not make any effort to pay them, it gives the government the right to levy and start collecting payment. This can include wage garnishment, seizing bank accounts, or taking other assets with monetary value.
  • The taxpayer does not respond to IRS notices. The IRS sends out various notices throughout the year to alert taxpayers of their tax obligations. If the taxpayer responds to these notices, a levy will likely be placed on their assets if they simultaneously try to pay the taxes they owe.
  • The taxpayer makes an error on their tax return. In some cases, taxpayers may make mistakes on their tax returns. If the mistake is large enough, it could result in a tax bill that the taxpayer cannot pay. The IRS may then place a levy on the taxpayer’s assets to recoup the unpaid taxes.
  • The taxpayer has an unpaid tax bill from a previous year. Each year, taxpayers are required to file a tax return and pay any taxes they owe. If a taxpayer does not pay their taxes in full, the IRS may carry over the unpaid balance to the following year. This unpaid balance continues to accrue interest and penalties, making it difficult for the taxpayer to catch up. The IRS may then place a levy on the taxpayer’s assets in an attempt to collect the unpaid taxes.

Before taking any of these actions, there are other methods the IRS will typically utilize to collect unpaid taxes. These methods may include:

  • Sending out notices. The IRS will send various types of notices throughout the year to alert taxpayers of their tax obligations. These notices will typically request payment and may also threaten legal action if the taxes are not paid.
  • Setting up a payment plan. The IRS offers payment plans for taxpayers in Bethesda who are unable to pay their taxes in full. This allows the taxpayer to make smaller, more manageable payments over time.
  • Negotiating an offer in compromise. In some cases, the taxpayer may be able to negotiate an offer in compromise with the IRS. This is an agreement between the Bethesda taxpayer and the IRS that settles the tax debt for an amount that is less than what is owed.
  • Advance notice of a third-party contact. The IRS typically contacts taxpayers directly when they are trying to collect unpaid taxes. However, in some cases, the IRS may contact a third party, such as an employer or financial institution. The taxpayer will typically be given advance notice of this third-party contact.

If the taxpayer does not respond to the notices or take any of the steps above, the IRS may then take legal action and place a levy on the taxpayer’s assets.

Once the levy is in place, the IRS will begin collecting taxpayer payment in ways such as:

  • Wage garnishment. The IRS may garnish the taxpayer’s wages to collect payment. The amount that is withheld will depend on the taxpayer’s filing status and the number of dependents.
  • Bank levies. The IRS may place a levy on the taxpayer’s bank account to collect payment. The amount that is taken will depend on the balance of the account and any outstanding debts.
  • Property seizures. The IRS may seize the taxpayer’s property, such as a house or car, to collect payment. The amount that is owed will need to be paid in full to redeem the property.

Delia Law Can Help You With Your Tax Levy

If you are facing a tax levy, take action as soon as possible. This is especially true if you are facing wage garnishment or property seizure that is going to put a strain on your finances. The sooner you act in Bethesda, the better chance you have of resolving the issue and avoiding further legal action that can further drown you in debt.

At Delia Law, we have experience helping our clients resolve their tax levies and can work with you to find a solution that fits your unique circumstances. We understand the IRS can be daunting, and we are here to help at each step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and witness how we can help you resolve your tax levy.

Maryland-Specific Tax Laws

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Maryland has a progressive tax system, which means the higher an individual’s income is, the higher the percentage they will pay in taxes. Maryland has special tax benefits for military retirees, lower income families, those paying for childcare, as well as for those aged 65 and older.

There are four types of taxes in Maryland:

  • State income tax. The state tax rate for personal income tax begins at 2%. This is applied to anyone making under $1,000 per year in annual income. It increases up to 5.75% for anyone making over $250,000 annually. This is one of the lower state income tax rates in the United States.
  • Local income tax. There is also a local income tax, which is levied by counties and cities. For convenience, these are withheld during income tax season by the state, and they vary based on the locality. For example, if you live in Allegany County, you paid a .0305 tax rate in 2021. This differs from residents of Baltimore County, who had a .0320 rate. It is important to note that this income is based on the county you live in, not where you work.
  • Sales tax. With each purchase in Maryland of a good or service, a 6% sales tax is automatically applied. This does not include every purchase. Groceries, prescription drugs, and gasoline are a few examples of items not subject to sales tax. However, a business is required to collect a 9% tax on any alcoholic beverages sold.
  • Property tax. You must pay property taxes in Maryland as well, and the tax rates vary by county. The average effective tax rate is 1.06%. While this might seem low, it is balanced by the high property values in the state. The median home value in Maryland is currently over $400,000 and varies based on proximity to the city of Maryland and other populated areas.
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