When your finances are stretched thin, it can be devastating to have the IRS snatch a portion of your paycheck every month to pay back taxes. You don't have to suffer in silence, however. Here are three ways you can stop the tax garnishment and regain control over your paycheck. 

Apply to the Fresh Start Program

The IRS Fresh Start Program offers taxpayers a number of benefits. It gives you six years to pay off your debt, lets you negotiate to pay less than you owe, and will prevent future garnishments if you sign up for their direct payment service, among other things. Unfortunately, the IRS won't stop the garnishment until you've made three payments into the program. Additionally, only people with less than $50,000 in tax debt qualify.

It's a good idea to speak to an attorney before signing up for the program as the lawyer can help you negotiate with the IRS as well as ensure you're taking full advantage of the program to lower your tax debt to the smallest amount.

Prove the Garnishment is a Hardship

Another option for stopping a wage garnishment is to show the IRS that the levy is causing a hardship. If you can prove you're unable to afford your basic living expenses (i.e. rent, food, utilities) because of the garnishment, the IRS is required to cancel it.

You'll need to contact the IRS directly to start the process and discuss your finances with an agent. If approved, the garnishment is usually ended soon after you're officially notified. However, be aware that you will still owe the back taxes, and you may be subject to another garnishment in the future if your financial situation improves and the taxes remain unpaid.

File for Bankruptcy Protection

Although you may have reservations about filing bankruptcy, doing so can give you an enormous amount of power over your situation. In addition to immediately ending the tax garnishment, filing bankruptcy may wipe out some or all your tax burden. For instance, tax debt that is three years or more old will be discharged, meaning you won't have to worry about paying it when your case concludes.

The rules governing when and how tax debt can be discharged in bankruptcy are a bit complex, so it's a good idea to have a bankruptcy attorney assist you with the process. The lawyer can help you shrink your tax debt as small as possible and then work with you to come up with a plan to deal with any leftover balance.

For tax garnishment solutions, contact a local bankruptcy attorney.

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