The IRS does not automatically withdraw money from your bank account unless you set it up yourself

The IRS will only take money from your account if you have explicitly authorized it. This happens in two ways: you initiate a direct debit payment yourself through IRS.gov or a tax professional's software, or you set up a payment plan (called an installment agreement) that includes automatic withdrawals. If you have not done either of these things, the IRS cannot touch your account, even if you owe taxes.

The confusion often comes from the fact that the IRS can seize money through a levy — but that is a separate enforcement action that requires notice and happens only after you have ignored payment demands. A levy is not automatic either; it requires the IRS to follow specific steps and give you time to respond.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS cannot withdraw money from your bank account without your written authorization, whether through a one-time payment or a recurring installment agreement.
  • If you set up a payment plan with automatic withdrawals, the IRS will debit your account on the date you choose, typically between the 1st and 28th of the month.
  • A levy — the IRS seizing your account — requires the IRS to send you a Notice of Intent to Levy at least 30 days before taking action, giving you time to respond.
  • If the IRS has already levied your account, you can request a release by contacting the IRS or filing a Collection Due Process hearing request.

How you authorize the IRS to take payments automatically

When you set up a payment plan through IRS.gov or through a tax professional, you will see an option to authorize automatic withdrawals from your bank account. This is called electronic federal tax payment system (EFTPS) or a direct debit arrangement. You provide your routing number, account number, and the date you want the payment to come out each month.

Once you authorize this, the IRS will debit your account on the date you selected. You can change or cancel the arrangement at any time by logging into IRS.gov, calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, or contacting a tax professional. The IRS will not debit your account again after you cancel, but you will still owe the tax debt — you will just need to pay it another way.

What happens if you ignore a tax bill

If you owe taxes and do not pay or set up a plan, the IRS will send you notices. The first is usually a bill. If you do not respond, you will receive a Notice of Intent to Levy. This notice tells you that the IRS plans to seize money from your bank account, wages, or other assets — but it also gives you at least 30 days to respond or request a hearing.

During that 30-day window, you can contact the IRS, request a payment plan, or ask for a Collection Due Process hearing. If you do nothing, the IRS can then issue a levy, which freezes your account and sends the money to the IRS. Even after a levy, you have options to get the money released if you can show hardship or set up a payment plan.

The difference between a payment you authorize and a levy

A payment you authorize is something you choose. You set it up, you control the amount and date, and you can stop it whenever you want. The IRS simply follows your instructions.

A levy is something the IRS does to you. It happens only after you have ignored notices and the 30-day warning period has passed. A levy freezes your account and the IRS takes whatever is in it (up to what you owe). You cannot stop a levy once it has been issued, but you can request a release by proving hardship or by setting up a payment plan within a certain timeframe.

How to check if the IRS has levied your account

If money suddenly disappeared from your bank account and you did not authorize a payment, your bank can tell you whether it was a levy. Call your bank and ask if there was an IRS levy on your account. The bank will have a record of the levy notice the IRS sent them, and they can tell you the date and amount.

You can also check your IRS account online through IRS.gov (you will need to create a login). Your account will show your balance, any payment plans you have set up, and recent activity. If you see a levy listed, you can request a release by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or by filing a Collection Due Process hearing request.

What to do if the IRS has levied your account

If a levy has already happened, you have limited time to act. Most banks hold the levied money for 21 days before sending it to the IRS. During that time, you can contact the IRS and request a release of the levy if you can show financial hardship or if you are now willing to set up a payment plan.

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and tell them you want to request a release of the levy. Have your tax ID number and the amount of the levy ready. You can also file a Collection Due Process hearing request, which gives you the right to a hearing before an independent officer. This request must be filed within 30 days of the date on the Notice of Intent to Levy.

Setting up a payment plan to avoid a levy

If you owe taxes but cannot pay in full, setting up a payment plan is the fastest way to stop the IRS from levying your account. You can set up a plan online through IRS.gov, by phone at 1-800-829-1040, or through a tax professional. The IRS offers several types of plans, ranging from short-term (120 days) to long-term (up to 72 months).

Once your plan is approved, the IRS will not levy your account as long as you make your payments on time. If you miss a payment, the plan can be terminated and the IRS can resume collection action, including levies. You can set up automatic withdrawals as part of your plan, or you can pay manually each month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the IRS take money from my account without warning?

No. The IRS must send you a Notice of Intent to Levy at least 30 days before levying your account. This notice tells you the amount owed and gives you time to pay, set up a plan, or request a hearing. A levy without this notice is illegal.

If I set up a payment plan, can the IRS change the payment date?

No. The payment date is set by you when you create the plan. The IRS will debit your account on that date each month. If you need to change the date, you can contact the IRS or log into your account online to update it.

What if I do not have a bank account and cannot set up automatic payments?

You can pay by check, money order, credit card, or debit card. You can also pay through EFTPS even without a bank account by using a prepaid card. Call 1-800-829-1040 to discuss payment options that work for your situation.

Can the IRS levy my account if I am on a payment plan?

No, as long as you are making your payments on time. The IRS will not levy your account while you have an active payment plan. If you miss a payment, the plan can be terminated and the IRS may resume collection action.

How long does money stay frozen after a levy?

Most banks hold levied money for 21 days before sending it to the IRS. If you request a release of the levy during this time and the IRS approves it, the money will be returned to your account. After 21 days, the money goes to the IRS and you will need to request a refund or credit against your tax debt.