IRS wage garnishments are among the most stressful financial events a person can face. In Connecticut — where housing, commuting, childcare, and medical expenses already consume most paychecks — losing 20–25% of your take-home pay can destabilize your household instantly.

The good news?
A wage garnishment can often be stopped — and sooner than most taxpayers expect.

Here’s what CT residents need to know.

How an IRS Wage Levy Starts

Before the IRS contacts your employer, they must send:

  • Multiple IRS notices

  • A final warning

  • And a Final Notice of Intent to Levy

Once that final notice expires:

  • The IRS can legally reach out to your employer

  • Your employer must comply

  • The next paycheck will be reduced significantly

There’s no court hearing. No judge. No lawsuit. It’s immediate.

Why Wage Levies Hit CT Households Extra Hard

Housing is expensive

Connecticut rents and mortgages exceed what the IRS considers “reasonable.”

Commuting costs are substantial

Metro-North passes, gas, parking, maintenance — all far above national norms.

Childcare is extremely costly

Daycare, after-school programs, summer camps — the IRS allowances don’t come close.

Medical and elder care expenses are high

CT has one of the oldest populations in the U.S.

Many families support multiple generations

IRS formulas rarely account for this unless documented.

These realities strengthen hardship arguments — but only with proper evidence.

Step One: Identify Who Controls the Levy

IRS levies may come from:

  • Automated Collection System (ACS)

  • Revenue Officers

  • IRS field offices

Each has different procedures and timelines.
Rappaport identifies the correct contact immediately — allowing the fastest path to relief.

Step Two: Stop the Levy Fast — Proven Approaches

1. Hardship Release

If the levy prevents you from paying for basic needs, the IRS can release it.

Key CT hardship costs include:

  • Rent or mortgage

  • Childcare

  • Commuting

  • Medical expenses

  • Food

  • Utilities

  • Insurance

2. Filing Missing Returns

Unfiled returns often trigger aggressive IRS action. Filing them reopens the account and can pause the levy.

3. Temporary Collection Hold

The IRS may pause enforcement while:

  • You gather documents

  • A representative builds your case

  • A long-term agreement is being prepared

4. Installment Agreement

A payment plan can replace the garnishment once approved.

5. Offer in Compromise Consideration

If eligible, the IRS may halt enforcement to review your settlement request.

6. Appeals

If the IRS violated procedure, the levy can be overturned.

What Documents the IRS Needs to Release a Levy

Typically:

  • Pay stubs

  • Bank statements

  • Rent or mortgage statements

  • Utilities

  • Insurance premiums

  • Car loan details

  • Childcare invoices

  • Medical bills

  • Proof of dependents

Rappaport organizes this information into IRS-friendly formats.

Why Levy Releases Often Happen Faster in CT

Connecticut households frequently exceed IRS cost assumptions — especially for:

  • Housing

  • Commuting

  • Medical costs

  • Childcare

  • Food

  • Insurance

Once Rappaport demonstrates this mismatch clearly, many levies can be released quickly.

After the Levy Is Released: Long-Term Protection

Stopping the levy is only Phase 1.
Phase 2 is designing a stable, permanent solution to prevent future enforcement:

  • OIC

  • CNC

  • Partial-pay plan

  • Full installment agreement

  • Penalty removal

  • Audit reconsideration

Rappaport ensures the IRS does not restart enforcement later.

Final Thought

A wage garnishment feels like a crisis because it is.
But it is also reversible — and often faster than people expect.

Rappaport Tax Relief helps Connecticut taxpayers stop garnishments quickly and rebuild long-term financial stability.