Stopping IRS Collections in California: Your Rights and Options

Receiving a collections notice from the IRS or the California Franchise Tax Board can be incredibly stressful. It means your tax debt has reached a critical point, and aggressive actions like garnishments, bank levies, or asset seizures may be on the horizon. But California taxpayers—including those in Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank, Inglewood, Santa Monica, Culver City, Pasadena, West Hollywood, Alhambra, and Beverly Hills—have rights, and collections can often be stopped or reduced. This article will walk you through how IRS and state collections work and what you can do to protect yourself.

How IRS Collections Begin

Collections begin after a tax debt has been assessed and remains unpaid. The IRS typically sends multiple notices, including:

• CP14 (Balance Due)

• CP501 and CP503 (Reminder Notices)

• CP504 (Final Notice with Intent to Levy)

• LT11 (Intent to Levy and Right to Hearing)

If these are ignored, the IRS may take enforced action. California state agencies follow a similar process.

What California Tax Agencies Can Do

The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) and other California agencies can collect taxes through:

• Wage garnishments

• Bank levies

• Liens on property

• Suspension of licenses (business or driver’s)

These actions can severely disrupt your financial stability if you don’t respond in time.

Your Rights as a Taxpayer

Even if you owe money, you still have rights:

• The right to appeal collections through a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing

• The right to request a payment arrangement or compromise

• The right to legal representation

• The right to dispute incorrect tax balances

How to Stop IRS and FTB Collections

Some effective strategies include:

• Installment Agreements: Monthly payments that allow you to catch up while avoiding levies.

• Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status: A temporary halt in collections due to financial hardship.

• Offer in Compromise: A negotiated settlement for less than you owe.

• Appeals and Hearings: Request a hearing if you receive a Final Notice of Intent to Levy.

Why Seek Professional Help?

Navigating collections is complex. One missed deadline can lead to garnishment or seizure. At ACE Plus Tax Resolution, we specialize in stopping IRS and state collections for California taxpayers. We evaluate your options and act quickly to halt enforcement.

Conclusion

Tax collections don’t have to ruin your financial life. If you’ve received a levy or garnishment notice—or suspect you’re about to—reach out for help. ACE Plus Tax Resolution helps Californians in Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, Culver City, Inglewood, Alhambra, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica stop collections and build sustainable solutions. Don’t wait—call ACE Plus Tax Resolution today to take back control.