Free help from licensed tax pros. Not the IRS.Licensed tax pros in all 50 statesEspañol

Can the IRS garnish Social Security?

Updated October 8, 20261 sourceTaxTruce teamFact checked
The short answer

Yes. Through the Federal Payment Levy Program, the IRS can take up to 15% of certain Social Security benefits, or the exact amount owed if less. Call the IRS at 800-829-7650 or 800-829-3903 to resolve it. Don't call Social Security.

Hardship or another payment arrangement keeps your payments out of the program.

Words to know

Federal Payment Levy Program (FPLP)
An IRS program that takes part of certain federal payments, like some Social Security benefits, for tax debt.

Run the numbers with our free tax tools, like the penalty and payment plan math.

See your options

A few questions. A tax pro calls you back.

Free tools: penalty calculator, 10 year clock, IRS offer data

Free to use. Not the IRS or any government agency. Results depend on your situation. Not every case qualifies.