Is the IRS able to Garnish your entire paycheck?

I have just seen my paystub and to my horror I noticed a section labeled "Tax Lien". The amount payed equals my entire paycheck of two weeks. The only money I owe is to the IRS for 2005. I had an arrangement with them to pay $200 a month and was unable to pay them last month. Are they allowed to garnish my entire paycheck? I have a one year old, my wife had the flu and missed a week of work, and most of our finances in the bank were withdrawn for Christmas.. I owe money for a Car Payment, Utilities, and Rent... I do not know how I am going to feed my wife and baby. I was never notified by the payroll department of my employer of any agreement they had made by the IRS, nor was I notified by the IRS that they would be doing this..

Public Comments

1. yes, they take all they can get until the taxes are paid. Uh oh big no no. When you failed to pay last month that put your agreement with them in jeopardy, it's sort of like when you miss a payment on a credit card they raise your interest. Well with the IRS when you miss a payment they cancel the agreement and collect payment in full.
2. Hey, it is most definetly possible. I would however, contact ur human Resourse manager and check it out for sure. I would not put anything passed our government on taking our money without asking tho.
3. Mmmm, garnish.
4. the IRS rules our country, and they have inflicted more havoc then both world wars combined, and quite legally. and there is no rule that they have to notify you about it. the only advice is to work nights at the nearest fast food place to get caught up, and when you do they really wont care if you just up and quit without notice when youre done with them. im so sorry.....
5. I care for a quadriplegic gentleman. I paid over $7,700 US in taxes for three years working there. I just got that paid back to the lender, (I had to borrow the money). Now the IRS is threatening me for another $8,000 US. It's a vicious cycle. Freedom from taxation without representation, my butt. Our founding Fathers would be turning in their graves if they saw the atrocities.
6. Immediately call the IRS at the number on the income levy issued to your employer. If you can't get that, call 800-829-1040. Ask to talk to automated collection services (ACS). Tell them your story and ask to have the installment agreement reinstated. Typically they cannot take your entire paycheck. You have to be afforded a statutory amount for your and your dependents' minimal support. If ACS can't or won't help, contact the taxpayer advocate. The national taxpayer advocate is (202) 622-6100. There is likely a local taxpayer advocate with the IRS in your state.