CHAPTER 64 —COLLECTION
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1990—
1972—
1 Section numbers editorially supplied.
Subchapter A—General Provisions
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2015—
2004—
1998—
1976—
1975—
§6301. Collection authority
The Secretary shall collect the taxes imposed by the internal revenue laws.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1976—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Approval Process for Liens, Levies, and Seizures
"(a)
"(1) a determination by an employee to file a notice of lien or levy with respect to, or to levy or seize, any property or right to property would, where appropriate, be required to be reviewed by a supervisor of the employee before the action was taken; and
"(2) appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against the employee or supervisor where the procedures under paragraph (1) were not followed.
"(b)
"(1) reviewed the taxpayer's information;
"(2) verified that a balance is due; and
"(3) affirmed that the action proposed to be taken is appropriate given the taxpayer's circumstances, considering the amount due and the value of the property or right to property.
"(c)
"(1)
"(2)
§6302. Mode or time of collection
(a) Establishment by regulations
If the mode or time for collecting any tax is not provided for by this title, the Secretary may establish the same by regulations.
(b) Discretionary method
Whether or not the method of collecting any tax imposed by
(c) Use of Government depositaries
The Secretary may authorize Federal Reserve banks, and incorporated banks, trust companies, domestic building and loan associations, or credit unions which are depositaries or financial agents of the United States, to receive any tax imposed under the internal revenue laws, in such manner, at such times, and under such conditions as he may prescribe; and he shall prescribe the manner, times, and conditions under which the receipt of such tax by such banks, trust companies, domestic building and loan associations, and credit unions is to be treated as payment of such tax to the Secretary.
(d) Time for payment of manufacturers' excise tax on recreational equipment
The taxes imposed by subchapter D of
(e) Time for deposit of taxes on communications services and airline tickets
(1) In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), if, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, a person is required to make deposits of any tax imposed by section 4251 or subsection (a) or (b) of section 4261 with respect to amounts considered collected by such person during any semimonthly period, such deposit shall be made not later than the 3rd day (not including Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays) after the close of the 1st week of the 2nd semimonthly period following the period to which such amounts relate.
(2) Special rule for tax due in September
(A) Amounts considered collected
In the case of a person required to make deposits of the tax imposed by section 4251, 4261, or 4271 with respect to amounts considered collected by such person during any semimonthly period, the amount of such tax included in bills rendered or tickets sold during the period beginning on September 1 and ending on September 11 shall be deposited not later than September 29.
(B) Special rule where September 29 is on Saturday or Sunday
If September 29 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the due date under subparagraph (A) shall be—
(i) in the case of Saturday, the preceding day, and
(ii) in the case of Sunday, the following day.
(C) Taxpayers not required to use electronic funds transfer
In the case of deposits not required to be made by electronic funds transfer, subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall be applied by substituting "September 10" for "September 11" and "September 28" for "September 29".
(f) Time for deposit of certain excise taxes
(1) General rule
Except as otherwise provided in this subsection and subsection (e), if any person is required under regulations to make deposits of taxes under subtitle D with respect to semimonthly periods, such person shall make deposits of such taxes for the period beginning on September 16 and ending on September 26 not later than September 29.
(2) Taxes on ozone depleting chemicals
If any person is required under regulations to make deposits of taxes under subchapter D of
(A) the second semimonthly period in August, and
(B) the period beginning on September 1 and ending on September 11,
not later than September 29.
(3) Taxpayers not required to use electronic funds transfer
In the case of deposits not required to be made by electronic funds transfer, paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be applied by substituting "September 25" for "September 26", "September 10" for "September 11", and "September 28" for "September 29".
(4) Special rule where due date on Saturday or Sunday
If, but for this paragraph, the due date under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) would fall on a Saturday or Sunday, such due date shall be deemed to be—
(A) in the case of Saturday, the preceding day, and
(B) in the case of Sunday, the following day.
(g) Deposits of social security taxes and withheld income taxes
If, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, a person is required to make deposits of taxes imposed by chapters 21, 22, and 24 on the basis of eighth-month periods, such person shall make deposits of such taxes on the 1st banking day after any day on which such person has $100,000 or more of such taxes for deposit.
(h) Use of electronic fund transfer system for collection of certain taxes
(1) Establishment of system
(A) In general
The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary for the development and implementation of an electronic fund transfer system which is required to be used for the collection of depository taxes. Such system shall be designed in such manner as may be necessary to ensure that such taxes are credited to the general account of the Treasury on the date on which such taxes would otherwise have been required to be deposited under the Federal tax deposit system.
(B) Exemptions
The regulations prescribed under subparagraph (A) may contain such exemptions as the Secretary may deem appropriate.
(2) Definitions
For purposes of this subsection—
(A) Depository tax
The term "depository tax" means any tax if the Secretary is authorized to require deposits of such tax.
(B) Electronic fund transfer
The term "electronic fund transfer" means any transfer of funds, other than a transaction originated by check, draft, or similar paper instrument, which is initiated through an electronic terminal, telephonic instrument, or computer or magnetic tape so as to order, instruct, or authorize a financial institution or other financial intermediary to debit or credit an account.
(3) Coordination with other electronic fund transfer requirements
Under regulations, any tax required to be paid by electronic fund transfer under section 5061(e) or 5703(b) shall be paid in such a manner as to ensure that the requirements of the second sentence of paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection are satisfied.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (e)(2)(A).
2014—Subsec. (e)(2).
"(i) section 4251, or
"(ii) effective on January 1, 1997, section 4261 or 4271,
with respect to".
Subsec. (f)(1).
Subsec. (h)(2).
Subsec. (h)(3), (4).
"(A)
"(B)
2010—Subsec. (d).
Subsec. (i).
1996—Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (g).
1994—Subsec. (e).
Subsec. (f).
"(1)
"(2)
1993—Subsec. (f).
Subsecs. (h), (i).
1990—Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (e).
Subsec. (g).
1989—Subsec. (e).
Subsec. (f).
Subsec. (g).
Subsec. (h).
1988—Subsec. (d).
Subsec. (e).
1984—Subsecs. (d), (e).
1980—Subsec. (d).
1978—Subsec. (d).
1977—Subsec. (c).
1976—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (c).
1956—Subsec. (b). Act June 29, 1956, inserted reference to
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2014 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 2010 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Amendment by section 1702(c)(3) of
Effective Date of 1994 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1993 Amendments
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1990 Amendment
Effective Date of 1989 Amendment
"(1)
"[(2) Repealed.
Effective Date of 1988 Amendments
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1977 Amendment
Regulations
Savings Provision
For provisions that nothing in amendment by section 11801(c)(22)(A) of
Delayed Deposits of Highway Motor Fuel Tax Revenues
Waiver of Penalty Through June 30, 1998, on Small Businesses Failing To Make Electronic Fund Transfers of Taxes
"(1) such person is a member of a class of taxpayers first required to use such system on or after July 1, 1997, and
"(2) such failure occurs before July 1, 1998."
Delayed Deposits of Airport Trust Fund Tax Revenues
"(1) in the case of deposits of taxes imposed by section 4261 of such Code, the due date for any such deposit which would (but for this subsection) be required to be made after August 14, 1997, and before October 1, 1997, shall be October 10, 1997,
"(2) in the case of deposits of taxes imposed by section 4261 of such Code, the due date for any such deposit which would (but for this subsection) be required to be made after August 14, 1998, and before October 1, 1998, shall be October 5, 1998, and
"(3) in the case of deposits of taxes imposed by sections 4081(a)(2)(A)(ii), 4091, and 4271 of such Code, the due date for any such deposit which would (but for this subsection) be required to be made after July 31, 1998, and before October 1, 1998, shall be October 5, 1998."
Delay of Electronic Fund Transfer Requirement
Depositary Schedules
§6303. Notice and demand for tax
(a) General rule
Where it is not otherwise provided by this title, the Secretary shall, as soon as practicable, and within 60 days, after the making of an assessment of a tax pursuant to section 6203, give notice to each person liable for the unpaid tax, stating the amount and demanding payment thereof. Such notice shall be left at the dwelling or usual place of business of such person, or shall be sent by mail to such person's last known address.
(b) Assessment prior to last date for payment
Except where the Secretary believes collection would be jeopardized by delay, if any tax is assessed prior to the last date prescribed for payment of such tax, payment of such tax shall not be demanded under subsection (a) until after such date.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1976—
§6304. Fair tax collection practices
(a) Communication with the taxpayer
Without the prior consent of the taxpayer given directly to the Secretary or the express permission of a court of competent jurisdiction, the Secretary may not communicate with a taxpayer in connection with the collection of any unpaid tax—
(1) at any unusual time or place or a time or place known or which should be known to be inconvenient to the taxpayer;
(2) if the Secretary knows the taxpayer is represented by any person authorized to practice before the Internal Revenue Service with respect to such unpaid tax and has knowledge of, or can readily ascertain, such person's name and address, unless such person fails to respond within a reasonable period of time to a communication from the Secretary or unless such person consents to direct communication with the taxpayer; or
(3) at the taxpayer's place of employment if the Secretary knows or has reason to know that the taxpayer's employer prohibits the taxpayer from receiving such communication.
In the absence of knowledge of circumstances to the contrary, the Secretary shall assume that the convenient time for communicating with a taxpayer is after 8 a.m. and before 9 p.m., local time at the taxpayer's location.
(b) Prohibition of harassment and abuse
The Secretary may not engage in any conduct the natural consequence of which is to harass, oppress, or abuse any person in connection with the collection of any unpaid tax. Without limiting the general application of the foregoing, the following conduct is a violation of this subsection:
(1) The use or threat of use of violence or other criminal means to harm the physical person, reputation, or property of any person.
(2) The use of obscene or profane language or language the natural consequence of which is to abuse the hearer or reader.
(3) Causing a telephone to ring or engaging any person in telephone conversation repeatedly or continuously with intent to annoy, abuse, or harass any person at the called number.
(4) Except as provided under rules similar to the rules in section 804 of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (
(c) Civil action for violations of section
For civil action for violations of this section, see section 7433.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 6304, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
§6305. Collection of certain liability
(a) In general
Upon receiving a certification from the Secretary of Health and Human Services, under section 452(b) of the Social Security Act with respect to any individual, the Secretary shall assess and collect the amount certified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in the same manner, with the same powers, and (except as provided in this section) subject to the same limitations as if such amount were a tax imposed by subtitle C the collection of which would be jeopardized by delay, except that—
(1) no interest or penalties shall be assessed or collected,
(2) for such purposes, paragraphs (4), (6), and (8) of section 6334(a) (relating to property exempt from levy) shall not apply,
(3) there shall be exempt from levy so much of the salary, wages, or other income of an individual as is being withheld therefrom in garnishment pursuant to a judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction for the support of his minor children,
(4) in the case of the first assessment against an individual for delinquency under a court or administrative order against such individual for a particular person or persons, the collection shall be stayed for a period of 60 days immediately following notice and demand as described in section 6303, and
(5) no additional fee may be assessed for adjustments to an amount previously certified pursuant to such section 452(b) with respect to the same obligor.
(b) Review of assessments and collections
No court of the United States, whether established under article I or article III of the Constitution, shall have jurisdiction of any action, whether legal or equitable, brought to restrain or review the assessment and collection of amounts by the Secretary under subsection (a), nor shall any such assessment and collection be subject to review by the Secretary in any proceeding. This subsection does not preclude any legal, equitable, or administrative action against the State by an individual in any State court or before any State agency to determine his liability for any amount assessed against him and collected, or to recover any such amount collected from him, under this section.
(Added
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Section 452(b) of the Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is classified to
Amendments
1996—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (a)(5).
1981—Subsec. (a)(4).
1976—Subsecs. (a), (b).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
For provisions relating to effective date of title III of
Effective Date of 1981 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date
Section effective Aug. 1, 1975, see section 101(f) of
§6306. Qualified tax collection contracts
(a) In general
Nothing in any provision of law shall be construed to prevent the Secretary from entering into a qualified tax collection contract.
(b) Qualified tax collection contract
For purposes of this section, the term "qualified tax collection contract" means any contract which—
(1) is for the services of any person (other than an officer or employee of the Treasury Department)—
(A) to locate and contact any taxpayer specified by the Secretary,
(B) to request full payment from such taxpayer of an amount of Federal tax specified by the Secretary and, if such request cannot be met by the taxpayer, to offer the taxpayer an installment agreement providing for full payment of such amount during a period not to exceed 7 years, and
(C) to obtain financial information specified by the Secretary with respect to such taxpayer,
(2) prohibits each person providing such services under such contract from committing any act or omission which employees of the Internal Revenue Service are prohibited from committing in the performance of similar services,
(3) prohibits subcontractors from—
(A) having contacts with taxpayers,
(B) providing quality assurance services, and
(C) composing debt collection notices, and
(4) permits subcontractors to perform other services only with the approval of the Secretary.
(c) Collection of inactive tax receivables
(1) In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall enter into one or more qualified tax collection contracts for the collection of all outstanding inactive tax receivables.
(2) Inactive tax receivables
For purposes of this section—
(A) In general
The term "inactive tax receivable" means any tax receivable if—
(i) at any time after assessment, the Internal Revenue Service removes such receivable from the active inventory for lack of resources or inability to locate the taxpayer,
(ii) more than 2 years has passed since assessment and such receivable has not been assigned for collection to any employee of the Internal Revenue Service, or
(iii) in the case of a receivable which has been assigned for collection, more than 365 days have passed without interaction with the taxpayer or a third party for purposes of furthering the collection of such receivable.
(B) Tax receivable
The term "tax receivable" means any outstanding assessment which the Internal Revenue Service includes in potentially collectible inventory.
(d) Certain tax receivables not eligible for collection under qualified tax collections contracts
A tax receivable shall not be eligible for collection pursuant to a qualified tax collection contract if such receivable—
(1) is subject to a pending or active offer-in-compromise or installment agreement,
(2) is classified as an innocent spouse case,
(3) involves a taxpayer identified by the Secretary as being—
(A) deceased,
(B) under the age of 18,
(C) in a designated combat zone,
(D) a victim of tax-related identity theft,
(E) a taxpayer substantially all of whose income consists of disability insurance benefits under section 223 of the Social Security Act or supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act (including supplemental security income benefits of the type described in section 1616 of such Act or section 212 of
(F) a taxpayer who is an individual with adjusted gross income, as determined for the most recent taxable year for which such information is available, which does not exceed 200 percent of the applicable poverty level (as determined by the Secretary),
(4) is currently under examination, litigation, criminal investigation, or levy, or
(5) is currently subject to a proper exercise of a right of appeal under this title.
(e) Fees
The Secretary may retain and use—
(1) an amount not in excess of 25 percent of the amount collected under any qualified tax collection contract for the costs of services performed under such contract, and
(2) an amount not in excess of 25 percent of such amount collected to fund the special compliance personnel program account under section 6307.
The Secretary shall keep adequate records regarding amounts so retained and used. The amount credited as paid by any taxpayer shall be determined without regard to this subsection.
(f) No Federal liability
The United States shall not be liable for any act or omission of any person performing services under a qualified tax collection contract.
(g) Application of Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
The provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (
(h) Contracting priority
In contracting for the services of any person under this section, the Secretary shall utilize private collection contractors and debt collection centers on the schedule required under
(i) Taxpayers in presidentially declared disaster areas
The Secretary may prescribe procedures under which a taxpayer determined to be affected by a Federally declared disaster (as defined by section 165(i)(5)) may request—
(1) relief from immediate collection measures by contractors under this section, and
(2) a return of the inactive tax receivable to the inventory of the Internal Revenue Service to be collected by an employee thereof.
(j) Report to Congress
Not later than 90 days after the last day of each fiscal year (beginning with the first such fiscal year ending after the date of the enactment of this subsection), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report with respect to qualified tax collection contracts under this section which shall include—
(1) annually, with respect to such fiscal year—
(A) the total number and amount of tax receivables provided to each contractor for collection under this section,
(B) the total amounts collected (and amounts of installment agreements entered into under subsection (b)(1)(B)) with respect to each contractor and the collection costs incurred (directly and indirectly) by the Internal Revenue Service with respect to such amounts,
(C) the impact of such contracts on the total number and amount of unpaid assessments, and on the number and amount of assessments collected by Internal Revenue Service personnel after initial contact by a contractor,
(D) the amount of fees retained by the Secretary under subsection (e) and a description of the use of such funds, and
(E) a disclosure safeguard report in a form similar to that required under section 6103(p)(5), and
(2) biannually (beginning with the second report submitted under this subsection)—
(A) an independent evaluation of contractor performance, and
(B) a measurement plan that includes a comparison of the best practices used by the private collectors to the collection techniques used by the Internal Revenue Service and mechanisms to identify and capture information on successful collection techniques used by the contractors that could be adopted by the Internal Revenue Service.
(k) Cross references
(1) For damages for certain unauthorized collection actions by persons performing services under a qualified tax collection contract, see section 7433A.
(2) For application of Taxpayer Assistance Orders to persons performing services under a qualified tax collection contract, see section 7811(g).
(Added
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(3)(E), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531,
Section 212 of
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, referred to in subsec. (e), is title VIII of
Amendments
2019—Subsec. (b)(1)(B).
Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(ii).
Subsec. (d)(3)(E), (F).
2018—Subsec. (e)(2).
2015—Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (d).
Subsec. (e).
Subsec. (e)(2).
Subsec. (f).
Subsec. (g).
Subsec. (h).
Subsec. (i).
Subsec. (j).
Subsec. (k).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2019 Amendment
"(1)
"(2)
"(3)
Effective Date of 2015 Amendment
"(1)
"(2)
Effective Date
Biennial Report
§6307. Special compliance personnel program account
(a) Establishment of a special compliance personnel program account
The Secretary shall establish an account within the Department for carrying out a program consisting of the hiring, training, and employment of special compliance personnel, and shall transfer to such account from time to time amounts retained by the Secretary under section 6306(e)(2).
(b) Restrictions
The program described in subsection (a) shall be subject to the following restrictions:
(1) No funds shall be transferred to such account except as described in subsection (a).
(2) No other funds from any other source shall be expended for special compliance personnel employed under such program.
(3) Notwithstanding any other authority, the Secretary is prohibited from spending funds out of such account for other than program costs.
(c) Reporting
Not later than March of each year, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue shall submit a report to the Committees on Finance and Appropriations of the Senate and the Committees on Ways and Means and Appropriations of the House of Representatives consisting of the following:
(1) For the preceding fiscal year, all funds received in the account established under subsection (a), administrative and program costs for the program described in such subsection, the number of special compliance personnel hired and employed under the program, and the amount of revenue actually collected by such personnel.
(2) For the current fiscal year, all actual and estimated funds received or to be received in the account, all actual and estimated administrative and program costs, the number of all actual and estimated special compliance personnel hired and employed under the program, and the actual and estimated revenue actually collected or to be collected by such personnel.
(3) For the following fiscal year, an estimate of all funds to be received in the account, all estimated administrative and program costs, the estimated number of special compliance personnel hired and employed under the program, and the estimated revenue to be collected by such personnel.
(d) Definitions
For purposes of this section—
(1) Special compliance personnel
The term "special compliance personnel" means individuals employed by the Internal Revenue Service as field function collection officers or in a similar position, or employed to collect taxes using the automated collection system or an equivalent replacement system.
(2) Program costs
The term "program costs" means—
(A) total salaries (including locality pay and bonuses), benefits, and employment taxes for special compliance personnel employed or trained under the program described in subsection (a),
(B) direct overhead costs, salaries, benefits, and employment taxes relating to support staff, rental payments, office equipment and furniture, travel, data processing services, vehicle costs, utilities, communications, software, technology, postage, printing and reproduction, supplies and materials, lands and structures, insurance claims, and indemnities for special compliance personnel hired and employed under this section, and
(C) reimbursement of the Internal Revenue Service or other government agencies for the cost of administering the qualified tax collection program under section 6306.
For purposes of subparagraph (B), the cost of management and supervision of special compliance personnel shall be taken into account as direct overhead costs to the extent such costs, when included in total program costs under this paragraph, do not represent more than 10 percent of such total costs.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2019—Subsec. (b)(2).
Subsec. (b)(3).
Subsec. (d)(2)(B).
Subsec. (d)(2)(C).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2019 Amendment
Amendment by
Subchapter B—Receipt of Payment
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1997—
1971—
1969—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Repeals
§6311. Payment of tax by commercially acceptable means
(a) Authority to receive
It shall be lawful for the Secretary to receive for internal revenue taxes (or in payment for internal revenue stamps) any commercially acceptable means that the Secretary deems appropriate to the extent and under the conditions provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
(b) Ultimate liability
If a check, money order, or other method of payment, including payment by credit card, debit card, or charge card so received is not duly paid, or is paid and subsequently charged back to the Secretary, the person by whom such check, or money order, or other method of payment has been tendered shall remain liable for the payment of the tax or for the stamps, and for all legal penalties and additions, to the same extent as if such check, money order, or other method of payment had not been tendered.
(c) Liability of banks and others
If any certified, treasurer's, or cashier's check (or other guaranteed draft), or any money order, or any other means of payment that has been guaranteed by a financial institution (such as a credit card, debit card, or charge card transaction which has been guaranteed expressly by a financial institution) so received is not duly paid, the United States shall, in addition to its right to exact payment from the party originally indebted therefor, have a lien for—
(1) the amount of such check (or draft) upon all assets of the financial institution on which drawn,
(2) the amount of such money order upon all the assets of the issuer thereof, or
(3) the guaranteed amount of any other transaction upon all the assets of the institution making such guarantee,
and such amount shall be paid out of such assets in preference to any other claims whatsoever against such financial institution, issuer, or guaranteeing institution, except the necessary costs and expenses of administration and the reimbursement of the United States for the amount expended in the redemption of the circulating notes of such financial institution.
(d) Payment by other means
(1) Authority to prescribe regulations
The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as the Secretary deems necessary to receive payment by commercially acceptable means, including regulations that—
(A) specify which methods of payment by commercially acceptable means will be acceptable,
(B) specify when payment by such means will be considered received,
(C) identify types of nontax matters related to payment by such means that are to be resolved by persons ultimately liable for payment and financial intermediaries, without the involvement of the Secretary, and
(D) ensure that tax matters will be resolved by the Secretary, without the involvement of financial intermediaries.
(2) Authority to enter into contracts
Notwithstanding
(3) Special provisions for use of credit cards
If use of credit cards is accepted as a method of payment of taxes pursuant to subsection (a)—
(A) a payment of internal revenue taxes (or a payment for internal revenue stamps) by a person by use of a credit card shall not be subject to section 161 of the Truth in Lending Act (
(B) a payment of internal revenue taxes (or a payment for internal revenue stamps) shall not be subject to section 170 of the Truth in Lending Act (
(C) a payment of internal revenue taxes (or a payment for internal revenue stamps) by a person by use of a debit card shall not be subject to section 908 of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (
(D) the term "creditor" under section 103(g) of the Truth in Lending Act (
(E) notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, in the case of payment made by credit card or debit card transaction of an amount owed to a person as the result of the correction of an error under section 161 of the Truth in Lending Act (
(e) Confidentiality of information
(1) In general
Except as otherwise authorized by this subsection, no person may use or disclose any information relating to credit or debit card transactions obtained pursuant to section 6103(k)(9) other than for purposes directly related to the processing of such transactions, or the billing or collection of amounts charged or debited pursuant thereto.
(2) Exceptions
(A) Debit or credit card issuers or others acting on behalf of such issuers may also use and disclose such information for purposes directly related to servicing an issuer's accounts.
(B) Debit or credit card issuers or others directly involved in the processing of credit or debit card transactions or the billing or collection of amounts charged or debited thereto may also use and disclose such information for purposes directly related to—
(i) statistical risk and profitability assessment;
(ii) transferring receivables, accounts, or interest therein;
(iii) auditing the account information;
(iv) complying with Federal, State, or local law; and
(v) properly authorized civil, criminal, or regulatory investigation by Federal, State, or local authorities.
(3) Procedures
Use and disclosure of information under this paragraph shall be made only to the extent authorized by written procedures promulgated by the Secretary.
(4) Cross reference
For provision providing for civil damages for violation of paragraph (1), see section 7431.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2019—Subsec. (d)(2).
2018—Subsec. (d)(3)(D).
1998—Subsec. (d)(2).
Subsec. (e)(1).
1997—
1984—Subsec. (b)(2).
1976—Subsec. (a).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1998 Amendments
Amendment by
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1997 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Regulations
Required Notice of Certain Payments
[§6312. Repealed. Pub. L. 92–5, title I, §4(a)(2), Mar. 17, 1971, 85 Stat. 5 ]
Section, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of Repeal
Repeals
§6313. Fractional parts of a cent
In the payment of any tax imposed by this title, a fractional part of a cent shall be disregarded unless it amounts to one-half cent or more, in which case it shall be increased to 1 cent.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1976—
§6314. Receipt for taxes
(a) General rule
The Secretary shall, upon request, give receipts for all sums collected by him, excepting only when the same are in payment for stamps sold and delivered; but no receipt shall be issued in lieu of a stamp representing a tax.
(b) Duplicate receipts for payment of estate taxes
The Secretary shall, upon request, give to the person paying the tax under
(c) Cross references
(1) For receipt required to be furnished by employer to employee with respect to employment taxes, see section 6051.
(2) For receipt of discharge of fiduciary from personal liability, see section 2204.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1976—
1970—Subsec. (c)(2).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1970 Amendment
Amendment by
§6315. Payments of estimated income tax
Payment of the estimated income tax, or any installment thereof, shall be considered payment on account of the income taxes imposed by subtitle A for the taxable year.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
§6316. Payment by foreign currency
The Secretary is authorized in his discretion to allow payment of taxes in the currency of a foreign country under such circumstances and subject to such conditions as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1976—
§6317. Payments of Federal unemployment tax for calendar quarter
Payment of Federal unemployment tax for a calendar quarter or other period within a calendar year pursuant to section 6157 shall be considered payment on account of the tax imposed by
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1988—
1983—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1983 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date
Section applicable with respect to calendar years beginning after Dec. 31, 1969, see section 4(a) of
Subchapter C—Lien for Taxes
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1998—
PART I—DUE PROCESS FOR LIENS
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1998—
§6320. Notice and opportunity for hearing upon filing of notice of lien
(a) Requirement of notice
(1) In general
The Secretary shall notify in writing the person described in section 6321 of the filing of a notice of lien under section 6323.
(2) Time and method for notice
The notice required under paragraph (1) shall be—
(A) given in person;
(B) left at the dwelling or usual place of business of such person; or
(C) sent by certified or registered mail to such person's last known address,
not more than 5 business days after the day of the filing of the notice of lien.
(3) Information included with notice
The notice required under paragraph (1) shall include in simple and nontechnical terms—
(A) the amount of unpaid tax;
(B) the right of the person to request a hearing during the 30-day period beginning on the day after the 5-day period described in paragraph (2);
(C) the administrative appeals available to the taxpayer with respect to such lien and the procedures relating to such appeals;
(D) the provisions of this title and procedures relating to the release of liens on property; and
(E) the provisions of section 7345 relating to the certification of seriously delinquent tax debts and the denial, revocation, or limitation of passports of individuals with such debts pursuant to section 32101 of the FAST Act.
(b) Right to fair hearing
(1) In general
If the person requests a hearing in writing under subsection (a)(3)(B) and states the grounds for the requested hearing, such hearing shall be held by the Internal Revenue Service Independent Office of Appeals.
(2) One hearing per period
A person shall be entitled to only one hearing under this section with respect to the taxable period to which the unpaid tax specified in subsection (a)(3)(A) relates.
(3) Impartial officer
The hearing under this subsection shall be conducted by an officer or employee who has had no prior involvement with respect to the unpaid tax specified in subsection (a)(3)(A) before the first hearing under this section or section 6330. A taxpayer may waive the requirement of this paragraph.
(4) Coordination with section 6330
To the extent practicable, a hearing under this section shall be held in conjunction with a hearing under section 6330.
(c) Conduct of hearing; review; suspensions
For purposes of this section, subsections (c), (d) (other than paragraph (3)(B) thereof), (e), and (g) of section 6330 shall apply.
(Added
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Section 32101 of the FAST Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(E), is section 32101 of
Amendments
2019—Subsec. (b)(1).
2015—Subsec. (a)(3)(E).
Subsec. (c).
2006—Subsec. (b)(1).
Subsec. (c).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2006 Amendment
Effective Date
PART II—LIENS
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1998—
1988—
1981—
1976—
1966—
§6321. Lien for taxes
If any person liable to pay any tax neglects or refuses to pay the same after demand, the amount (including any interest, additional amount, addition to tax, or assessable penalty, together with any costs that may accrue in addition thereto) shall be a lien in favor of the United States upon all property and rights to property, whether real or personal, belonging to such person.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Short Title
§6322. Period of lien
Unless another date is specifically fixed by law, the lien imposed by section 6321 shall arise at the time the assessment is made and shall continue until the liability for the amount so assessed (or a judgment against the taxpayer arising out of such liability) is satisfied or becomes unenforceable by reason of lapse of time.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1966—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Amendment by
§6323. Validity and priority against certain persons
(a) Purchasers, holders of security interests, mechanic's lienors, and judgment lien creditors
The lien imposed by section 6321 shall not be valid as against any purchaser, holder of a security interest, mechanic's lienor, or judgment lien creditor until notice thereof which meets the requirements of subsection (f) has been filed by the Secretary.
(b) Protection for certain interests even though notice filed
Even though notice of a lien imposed by section 6321 has been filed, such lien shall not be valid—
(1) Securities
With respect to a security (as defined in subsection (h)(4))—
(A) as against a purchaser of such security who at the time of purchase did not have actual notice or knowledge of the existence of such lien; and
(B) as against a holder of a security interest in such security who, at the time such interest came into existence, did not have actual notice or knowledge of the existence of such lien.
(2) Motor vehicles
With respect to a motor vehicle (as defined in subsection (h)(3)), as against a purchaser of such motor vehicle, if—
(A) at the time of the purchase such purchaser did not have actual notice or knowledge of the existence of such lien, and
(B) before the purchaser obtains such notice or knowledge, he has acquired possession of such motor vehicle and has not thereafter relinquished possession of such motor vehicle to the seller or his agent.
(3) Personal property purchased at retail
With respect to tangible personal property purchased at retail, as against a purchaser in the ordinary course of the seller's trade or business, unless at the time of such purchase such purchaser intends such purchase to (or knows such purchase will) hinder, evade, or defeat the collection of any tax under this title.
(4) Personal property purchased in casual sale
With respect to household goods, personal effects, or other tangible personal property described in section 6334(a) purchased (not for resale) in a casual sale for less than $1,000, as against the purchaser, but only if such purchaser does not have actual notice or knowledge (A) of the existence of such lien, or (B) that this sale is one of a series of sales.
(5) Personal property subject to possessory lien
With respect to tangible personal property subject to a lien under local law securing the reasonable price of the repair or improvement of such property, as against a holder of such a lien, if such holder is, and has been, continuously in possession of such property from the time such lien arose.
(6) Real property tax and special assessment liens
With respect to real property, as against a holder of a lien upon such property, if such lien is entitled under local law to priority over security interests in such property which are prior in time, and such lien secures payment of—
(A) a tax of general application levied by any taxing authority based upon the value of such property;
(B) a special assessment imposed directly upon such property by any taxing authority, if such assessment is imposed for the purpose of defraying the cost of any public improvement; or
(C) charges for utilities or public services furnished to such property by the United States, a State or political subdivision thereof, or an instrumentality of any one or more of the foregoing.
(7) Residential property subject to a mechanic's lien for certain repairs and improvements
With respect to real property subject to a lien for repair or improvement of a personal residence (containing not more than four dwelling units) occupied by the owner of such residence, as against a mechanic's lienor, but only if the contract price on the contract with the owner is not more than $5,000.
(8) Attorneys' liens
With respect to a judgment or other amount in settlement of a claim or of a cause of action, as against an attorney who, under local law, holds a lien upon or a contract enforcible against such judgment or amount, to the extent of his reasonable compensation for obtaining such judgment or procuring such settlement, except that this paragraph shall not apply to any judgment or amount in settlement of a claim or of a cause of action against the United States to the extent that the United States offsets such judgment or amount against any liability of the taxpayer to the United States.
(9) Certain insurance contracts
With respect to a life insurance, endowment, or annuity contract, as against the organization which is the insurer under such contract, at any time—
(A) before such organization had actual notice or knowledge of the existence of such lien;
(B) after such organization had such notice or knowledge, with respect to advances required to be made automatically to maintain such contract in force under an agreement entered into before such organization had such notice or knowledge; or
(C) after satisfaction of a levy pursuant to section 6332(b), unless and until the Secretary delivers to such organization a notice, executed after the date of such satisfaction, of the existence of such lien.
(10) Deposit-secured loans
With respect to a savings deposit, share, or other account with an institution described in section 581 or 591, to the extent of any loan made by such institution without actual notice or knowledge of the existence of such lien, as against such institution, if such loan is secured by such account.
(c) Protection for certain commercial transactions financing agreements, etc.
(1) In general
To the extent provided in this subsection, even though notice of a lien imposed by section 6321 has been filed, such lien shall not be valid with respect to a security interest which came into existence after tax lien filing but which—
(A) is in qualified property covered by the terms of a written agreement entered into before tax lien filing and constituting—
(i) a commercial transactions financing agreement,
(ii) a real property construction or improvement financing agreement, or
(iii) an obligatory disbursement agreement, and
(B) is protected under local law against a judgment lien arising, as of the time of tax lien filing, out of an unsecured obligation.
(2) Commercial transactions financing agreement
For purposes of this subsection—
(A) Definition
The term "commercial transactions financing agreement" means an agreement (entered into by a person in the course of his trade or business)—
(i) to make loans to the taxpayer to be secured by commercial financing security acquired by the taxpayer in the ordinary course of his trade or business, or
(ii) to purchase commercial financing security (other than inventory) acquired by the taxpayer in the ordinary course of his trade or business;
but such an agreement shall be treated as coming within the term only to the extent that such loan or purchase is made before the 46th day after the date of tax lien filing or (if earlier) before the lender or purchaser had actual notice or knowledge of such tax lien filing.
(B) Limitation on qualified property
The term "qualified property", when used with respect to a commercial transactions financing agreement, includes only commercial financing security acquired by the taxpayer before the 46th day after the date of tax lien filing.
(C) Commercial financing security defined
The term "commercial financing security" means (i) paper of a kind ordinarily arising in commercial transactions, (ii) accounts receivable, (iii) mortgages on real property, and (iv) inventory.
(D) Purchaser treated as acquiring security interest
A person who satisfies subparagraph (A) by reason of clause (ii) thereof shall be treated as having acquired a security interest in commercial financing security
(3) Real property construction or improvement financing agreement
For purposes of this subsection—
(A) Definition
The term "real property construction or improvement financing agreement" means an agreement to make cash disbursements to finance—
(i) the construction or improvement of real property,
(ii) a contract to construct or improve real property, or
(iii) the raising or harvesting of a farm crop or the raising of livestock or other animals.
For purposes of clause (iii), the furnishing of goods and services shall be treated as the disbursement of cash.
(B) Limitation on qualified property
The term "qualified property", when used with respect to a real property construction or improvement financing agreement, includes only—
(i) in the case of subparagraph (A)(i), the real property with respect to which the construction or improvement has been or is to be made,
(ii) in the case of subparagraph (A)(ii), the proceeds of the contract described therein, and
(iii) in the case of subparagraph (A)(iii), property subject to the lien imposed by section 6321 at the time of tax lien filing and the crop or the livestock or other animals referred to in subparagraph (A)(iii).
(4) Obligatory disbursement agreement
For purposes of this subsection—
(A) Definition
The term "obligatory disbursement agreement" means an agreement (entered into by a person in the course of his trade or business) to make disbursements, but such an agreement shall be treated as coming within the term only to the extent of disbursements which are required to be made by reason of the intervention of the rights of a person other than the taxpayer.
(B) Limitation on qualified property
The term "qualified property", when used with respect to an obligatory disbursement agreement, means property subject to the lien imposed by section 6321 at the time of tax lien filing and (to the extent that the acquisition is directly traceable to the disbursements referred to in subparagraph (A)) property acquired by the taxpayer after tax lien filing.
(C) Special rules for surety agreements
Where the obligatory disbursement agreement is an agreement ensuring the performance of a contract between the taxpayer and another person—
(i) the term "qualified property" shall be treated as also including the proceeds of the contract the performance of which was ensured, and
(ii) if the contract the performance of which was ensured was a contract to construct or improve real property, to produce goods, or to furnish services, the term "qualified property" shall be treated as also including any tangible personal property used by the taxpayer in the performance of such ensured contract.
(d) 45-day period for making disbursements
Even though notice of a lien imposed by section 6321 has been filed, such lien shall not be valid with respect to a security interest which came into existence after tax lien filing by reason of disbursements made before the 46th day after the date of tax lien filing, or (if earlier) before the person making such disbursements had actual notice or knowledge of tax lien filing, but only if such security interest—
(1) is in property (A) subject, at the time of tax lien filing, to the lien imposed by section 6321, and (B) covered by the terms of a written agreement entered into before tax lien filing, and
(2) is protected under local law against a judgment lien arising, as of the time of tax lien filing, out of an unsecured obligation.
(e) Priority of interest and expenses
If the lien imposed by section 6321 is not valid as against a lien or security interest, the priority of such lien or security interest shall extend to—
(1) any interest or carrying charges upon the obligation secured,
(2) the reasonable charges and expenses of an indenture trustee or agent holding the security interest for the benefit of the holder of the security interest,
(3) the reasonable expenses, including reasonable compensation for attorneys, actually incurred in collecting or enforcing the obligation secured,
(4) the reasonable costs of insuring, preserving, or repairing the property to which the lien or security interest relates,
(5) the reasonable costs of insuring payment of the obligation secured, and
(6) amounts paid to satisfy any lien on the property to which the lien or security interest relates, but only if the lien so satisfied is entitled to priority over the lien imposed by section 6321,
to the extent that, under local law, any such item has the same priority as the lien or security interest to which it relates.
(f) Place for filing notice; form
(1) Place for filing
The notice referred to in subsection (a) shall be filed—
(A) Under State laws
(i) Real property
In the case of real property, in one office within the State (or the county, or other governmental subdivision), as designated by the laws of such State, in which the property subject to the lien is situated; and
(ii) Personal property
In the case of personal property, whether tangible or intangible, in one office within the State (or the county, or other governmental subdivision), as designated by the laws of such State, in which the property subject to the lien is situated, except that State law merely conforming to or reenacting Federal law establishing a national filing system does not constitute a second office for filing as designated by the laws of such State; or
(B) With clerk of district court
In the office of the clerk of the United States district court for the judicial district in which the property subject to the lien is situated, whenever the State has not by law designated one office which meets the requirements of subparagraph (A); or
(C) With Recorder of Deeds of the District of Columbia
In the office of the Recorder of Deeds of the District of Columbia, if the property subject to the lien is situated in the District of Columbia.
(2) Situs of property subject to lien
For purposes of paragraphs (1) and (4), property shall be deemed to be situated—
(A) Real property
In the case of real property, at its physical location; or
(B) Personal property
In the case of personal property, whether tangible or intangible, at the residence of the taxpayer at the time the notice of lien is filed.
For purposes of paragraph (2)(B), the residence of a corporation or partnership shall be deemed to be the place at which the principal executive office of the business is located, and the residence of a taxpayer whose residence is without the United States shall be deemed to be in the District of Columbia.
(3) Form
The form and content of the notice referred to in subsection (a) shall be prescribed by the Secretary. Such notice shall be valid notwithstanding any other provision of law regarding the form or content of a notice of lien.
(4) Indexing required with respect to certain real property
In the case of real property, if—
(A) under the laws of the State in which the real property is located, a deed is not valid as against a purchaser of the property who (at the time of purchase) does not have actual notice or knowledge of the existence of such deed unless the fact of filing of such deed has been entered and recorded in a public index at the place of filing in such a manner that a reasonable inspection of the index will reveal the existence of the deed, and
(B) there is maintained (at the applicable office under paragraph (1)) an adequate system for the public indexing of Federal tax liens,
then the notice of lien referred to in subsection (a) shall not be treated as meeting the filing requirements under paragraph (1) unless the fact of filing is entered and recorded in the index referred to in subparagraph (B) in such a manner that a reasonable inspection of the index will reveal the existence of the lien.
(5) National filing systems
The filing of a notice of lien shall be governed solely by this title and shall not be subject to any other Federal law establishing a place or places for the filing of liens or encumbrances under a national filing system.
(g) Refiling of notice
For purposes of this section—
(1) General rule
Unless notice of lien is refiled in the manner prescribed in paragraph (2) during the required refiling period, such notice of lien shall be treated as filed on the date on which it is filed (in accordance with subsection (f)) after the expiration of such refiling period.
(2) Place for filing
A notice of lien refiled during the required refiling period shall be effective only—
(A) if—
(i) such notice of lien is refiled in the office in which the prior notice of lien was filed, and
(ii) in the case of real property, the fact of refiling is entered and recorded in an index to the extent required by subsection (f)(4); and
(B) in any case in which, 90 days or more prior to the date of a refiling of notice of lien under subparagraph (A), the Secretary received written information (in the manner prescribed in regulations issued by the Secretary) concerning a change in the taxpayer's residence, if a notice of such lien is also filed in accordance with subsection (f) in the State in which such residence is located.
(3) Required refiling period
In the case of any notice of lien, the term "required refiling period" means—
(A) the one-year period ending 30 days after the expiration of 10 years after the date of the assessment of the tax, and
(B) the one-year period ending with the expiration of 10 years after the close of the preceding required refiling period for such notice of lien.
(4) Transitional rule
Notwithstanding paragraph (3), if the assessment of the tax was made before January 1, 1962, the first required refiling period shall be the calendar year 1967.
(h) Definitions
For purposes of this section and section 6324—
(1) Security interest
The term "security interest" means any interest in property acquired by contract for the purpose of securing payment or performance of an obligation or indemnifying against loss or liability. A security interest exists at any time (A) if, at such time, the property is in existence and the interest has become protected under local law against a subsequent judgment lien arising out of an unsecured obligation, and (B) to the extent that, at such time, the holder has parted with money or money's worth.
(2) Mechanic's lienor
The term "mechanic's lienor" means any person who under local law has a lien on real property (or on the proceeds of a contract relating to real property) for services, labor, or materials furnished in connection with the construction or improvement of such property. For purposes of the preceding sentence, a person has a lien on the earliest date such lien becomes valid under local law against subsequent purchasers without actual notice, but not before he begins to furnish the services, labor, or materials.
(3) Motor vehicle
The term "motor vehicle" means a self-propelled vehicle which is registered for highway use under the laws of any State or foreign country.
(4) Security
The term "security" means any bond, debenture, note, or certificate or other evidence of indebtedness, issued by a corporation or a government or political subdivision thereof, with interest coupons or in registered form, share of stock, voting trust certificate, or any certificate of interest or participation in, certificate of deposit or receipt for, temporary or interim certificate for, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing; negotiable instrument; or money.
(5) Tax lien filing
The term "tax lien filing" means the filing of notice (referred to in subsection (a)) of the lien imposed by section 6321.
(6) Purchaser
The term "purchaser" means a person who, for adequate and full consideration in money or money's worth, acquires an interest (other than a lien or security interest) in property which is valid under local law against subsequent purchasers without actual notice. In applying the preceding sentence for purposes of subsection (a) of this section, and for purposes of section 6324—
(A) a lease of property,
(B) a written executory contract to purchase or lease property,
(C) an option to purchase or lease property or any interest therein, or
(D) an option to renew or extend a lease of property,
which is not a lien or security interest shall be treated as an interest in property.
(i) Special rules
(1) Actual notice or knowledge
For purposes of this subchapter, an organization shall be deemed for purposes of a particular transaction to have actual notice or knowledge of any fact from the time such fact is brought to the attention of the individual conducting such transaction, and in any event from the time such fact would have been brought to such individual's attention if the organization had exercised due diligence. An organization exercises due diligence if it maintains reasonable routines for communicating significant information to the person conducting the transaction and there is reasonable compliance with the routine. Due diligence does not require an individual acting for the organization to communicate information unless such communication is part of his regular duties or unless he has reason to know of the transaction and that the transaction would be materially affected by the information.
(2) Subrogation
Where, under local law, one person is subrogated to the rights of another with respect to a lien or interest, such person shall be subrogated to such rights for purposes of any lien imposed by section 6321 or 6324.
(3) Forfeitures
For purposes of this subchapter, a forfeiture under local law of property seized by a law enforcement agency of a State, county, or other local governmental subdivision shall relate back to the time of seizure, except that this paragraph shall not apply to the extent that under local law the holder of an intervening claim or interest would have priority over the interest of the State, county, or other local governmental subdivision in the property.
(4) Cost-of-living adjustment
In the case of notices of liens imposed by section 6321 which are filed in any calendar year after 1998, each of the dollar amounts under paragraph (4) or (7) of subsection (b) shall be increased by an amount equal to—
(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year, determined by substituting "calendar year 1996" for "calendar year 2016" in subparagraph (A)(ii) thereof.
If any amount as adjusted under the preceding sentence is not a multiple of $10, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10.
(j) Withdrawal of notice in certain circumstances
(1) In general
The Secretary may withdraw a notice of a lien filed under this section and this chapter shall be applied as if the withdrawn notice had not been filed, if the Secretary determines that—
(A) the filing of such notice was premature or otherwise not in accordance with administrative procedures of the Secretary,
(B) the taxpayer has entered into an agreement under section 6159 to satisfy the tax liability for which the lien was imposed by means of installment payments, unless such agreement provides otherwise,
(C) the withdrawal of such notice will facilitate the collection of the tax liability, or
(D) with the consent of the taxpayer or the National Taxpayer Advocate, the withdrawal of such notice would be in the best interests of the taxpayer (as determined by the National Taxpayer Advocate) and the United States.
Any such withdrawal shall be made by filing notice at the same office as the withdrawn notice. A copy of such notice of withdrawal shall be provided to the taxpayer.
(2) Notice to credit agencies, etc.
Upon written request by the taxpayer with respect to whom a notice of a lien was withdrawn under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall promptly make reasonable efforts to notify credit reporting agencies, and any financial institution or creditor whose name and address is specified in such request, of the withdrawal of such notice. Any such request shall be in such form as the Secretary may prescribe.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Inflation Adjusted Items for Certain Years
For inflation adjustment of certain items in this section, see Revenue Procedures listed in a table under
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2017—Subsec. (i)(4)(B).
1998—Subsec. (b)(4).
Subsec. (b)(7).
Subsec. (b)(10).
Subsec. (i)(4).
Subsec. (j)(1)(D).
1996—Subsec. (j).
1990—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (g)(3).
1988—Subsec. (f)(1)(A)(ii).
Subsec. (f)(5).
1986—Subsec. (i)(3).
1978—Subsec. (f)(4).
Subsec. (g)(2)(A).
1976—Subsecs. (a), (b).
Subsec. (f)(2).
Subsec. (f)(3).
Subsec. (f)(4).
Subsec. (g)(2)(A), (B).
Subsec. (i)(3).
1966—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (a)(3).
Subsec. (b)(1).
Subsec. (b)(2).
Subsec. (b)(3) to (10).
Subsecs. (c) to (e).
Subsec. (f)(1).
Subsec. (f)(2).
Subsec. (f)(3).
Subsec. (g).
Subsec. (h)(1), (2).
Subsec. (h)(3).
Subsec. (h)(4).
Subsec. (h)(5), (6).
Subsec. (i)(1), (2).
Subsec. (i)(3).
1964—Subsec. (a).
Subsecs. (d), (e).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2017 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
Amendment by section 1102(d)(1)(A) of
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Effective Date of 1990 Amendment
"(1) taxes assessed after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 5, 1990], and
"(2) taxes assessed on or before such date if the period specified in section 6502 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (determined without regard to the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
Effective Date of 1986 Amendment
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment
"(A) The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply with respect to liens, other security interests, and other interests in real property acquired after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 6, 1978].
"(B) If, after the date of the enactment of this Act, there is a change in the application (or nonapplication) of section 6323(f)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [formerly I.R.C. 1954] (as amended by paragraph (1)) with respect to any filing jurisdiction, such change shall apply only with respect to liens, other security interests, and other interests in real property acquired after the date of such change."
Effective Date of 1976 Amendment
Amendment by section 1202(h)(2) of
"(A) in the case of liens filed before the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 4, 1976], on the 270th day after such date of enactment, or
"(B) in the case of liens filed on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 4, 1976], on the 120th day after such date of enactment."
Effective Date of 1966 Amendments
"(a)
"(b)
"(1) in which a lien or a title derived from enforcement of a lien held by the United States has been enforced by a civil action or suit which has become final by judgment, sale, or agreement before the date of enactment of this Act; or
"(2) in which such amendments would—
"(A) impair a priority enjoyed by any person (other than the United States) holding a lien or interest prior to the date of enactment of this Act;
"(B) operate to increase the liability of any such person; or
"(C) shorten the time for bringing suit with respect to transactions occurring before the date of enactment of this Act.
"(c)
"(1) The amendments made by section 105(a) (relating to effect on third parties) [adding
"(2) The amendments made by section 105(b) (relating to performance bonds of contractors for public buildings or works) [amending section 270a of former Title 40] shall apply to contracts entered into pursuant to invitations for bids issued after June 30, 1967."
Effective Date of 1964 Amendment
§6324. Special liens for estate and gift taxes
(a) Liens for estate tax
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c)—
(1) Upon gross estate
Unless the estate tax imposed by
(2) Liability of transferees and others
If the estate tax imposed by
(3) Continuance after discharge of fiduciary
The provisions of section 2204 (relating to discharge of fiduciary from personal liability) shall not operate as a release of any part of the gross estate from the lien for any deficiency that may thereafter be determined to be due, unless such part of the gross estate (or any interest therein) has been transferred to a purchaser or a holder of a security interest, in which case such part (or such interest) shall not be subject to a lien or to any claim or demand for any such deficiency, but the lien shall attach to the consideration received from such purchaser or holder of a security interest, by the heirs, legatees, devisees, or distributees.
(b) Lien for gift tax
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), unless the gift tax imposed by
(c) Exceptions
(1) The lien imposed by subsection (a) or (b) shall not be valid as against a mechanic's lienor and, subject to the conditions provided by section 6323(b) (relating to protection for certain interests even though notice filed), shall not be valid with respect to any lien or interest described in section 6323(b).
(2) If a lien imposed by subsection (a) or (b) is not valid as against a lien or security interest, the priority of such lien or security interest shall extend to any item described in section 6323(e) (relating to priority of interest and expenses) to the extent that, under local law, such item has the same priority as the lien or security interest to which it relates.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1970—Subsec. (a)(3).
Subsec. (b).
1966—Subsec. (a)(1).
Subsec. (a)(2).
Subsec. (a)(3).
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (d).
1964—Subsecs. (a), (b).
Subsec. (d).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1970 Amendment
Amendment by section 101(d)(2) of
Amendment by section 102(d)(7) of
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1964 Amendment
Amendment by
§6324A. Special lien for estate tax deferred under section 6166
(a) General rule
In the case of any estate with respect to which an election has been made under section 6166, if the executor makes an election under this section (at such time and in such manner as the Secretary shall by regulations prescribe) and files the agreement referred to in subsection (c), the deferred amount (plus any interest, additional amount, addition to tax, assessable penalty, and costs attributable to the deferred amount) shall be a lien in favor of the United States on the section 6166 lien property.
(b) Section 6166 lien property
(1) In general
For purposes of this section, the term "section 6166 lien property" means interests in real and other property to the extent such interests—
(A) can be expected to survive the deferral period, and
(B) are designated in the agreement referred to in subsection (c).
(2) Maximum value of required property
The maximum value of the property which the Secretary may require as section 6166 lien property with respect to any estate shall be a value which is not greater than the sum of—
(A) the deferred amount, and
(B) the required interest amount.
For purposes of the preceding sentence, the value of any property shall be determined as of the date prescribed by section 6151(a) for payment of the tax imposed by
(3) Partial substitution of bond for lien
If the value required as section 6166 lien property pursuant to paragraph (2) exceeds the value of the interests in property covered by the agreement referred to in subsection (c), the Secretary may accept bond in an amount equal to such excess conditioned on the payment of the amount extended in accordance with the terms of such extension.
(c) Agreement
The agreement referred to in this subsection is a written agreement signed by each person in being who has an interest (whether or not in possession) in any property designated in such agreement—
(1) consenting to the creation of the lien under this section with respect to such property, and
(2) designating a responsible person who shall be the agent for the beneficiaries of the estate and for the persons who have consented to the creation of the lien in dealings with the Secretary on matters arising under section 6166 or this section.
(d) Special rules
(1) Requirement that lien be filed
The lien imposed by this section shall not be valid as against any purchaser, holder of a security interest, mechanic's lien, or judgment lien creditor until notice thereof which meets the requirements of section 6323(f) has been filed by the Secretary. Such notice shall not be required to be refiled.
(2) Period of lien
The lien imposed by this section shall arise at the time the executor is discharged from liability under section 2204 (or, if earlier, at the time notice is filed pursuant to paragraph (1)) and shall continue until the liability for the deferred amount is satisfied or becomes unenforceable by reason of lapse of time.
(3) Priorities
Even though notice of a lien imposed by this section has been filed as provided in paragraph (1), such lien shall not be valid—
(A) Real property tax and special assessment liens
To the extent provided in section 6323(b)(6).
(B) Real property subject to a mechanic's lien for repairs and improvement
In the case of any real property subject to a lien for repair or improvement, as against a mechanic's lienor.
(C) Real property construction or improvement financing agreement
As against any security interest set forth in paragraph (3) of section 6323(c) (whether such security interest came into existence before or after tax lien filing).
Subparagraphs (B) and (C) shall not apply to any security interest which came into existence after the date on which the Secretary filed notice (in a manner similar to notice filed under section 6323(f)) that payment of the deferred amount has been accelerated under section 6166(g).
(4) Lien to be in lieu of section 6324 lien
If there is a lien under this section on any property with respect to any estate, there shall not be any lien under section 6324 on such property with respect to the same estate.
(5) Additional lien property required in certain cases
If at any time the value of the property covered by the agreement is less than the unpaid portion of the deferred amount and the required interest amount, the Secretary may require the addition of property to the agreement (but he may not require under this paragraph that the value of the property covered by the agreement exceed such unpaid portion). If property having the required value is not added to the property covered by the agreement (or if other security equal to the required value is not furnished) within 90 days after notice and demand therefor by the Secretary, the failure to comply with the preceding sentence shall be treated as an act accelerating payment of the installments under section 6166(g).
(6) Lien to be in lieu of bond
The Secretary may not require under section 6165 the furnishing of any bond for the payment of any tax to which an agreement which meets the requirements of subsection (c) applies.
(e) Definitions
For purposes of this section—
(1) Deferred amount
The term "deferred amount" means the aggregate amount deferred under section 6166 (determined as of the date prescribed by section 6151(a) for payment of the tax imposed by
(2) Required interest amount
The term "required interest amount" means the aggregate amount of interest which will be payable over the first 4 years of the deferral period with respect to the deferred amount (determined as of the date prescribed by section 6151(a) for the payment of the tax imposed by
(3) Deferral period
The term "deferral period" means the period for which the payment of tax is deferred pursuant to the election under section 6166.
(4) Application of definitions in case of deficiencies
In the case of a deficiency, a separate deferred amount, required interest amount, and deferral period shall be determined as of the due date of the first installment after the deficiency is prorated to installments under section 6166.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1981—
Subsecs. (a), (c)(2).
Subsec. (d)(3), (5).
Subsec. (e)(1), (3), (4).
1978—Subsec. (b)(2)(B).
Subsec. (d)(5).
Subsec. (e)(2).
Subsec. (e)(4).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1981 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment
§6324B. Special lien for additional estate tax attributable to farm, etc., valuation
(a) General rule
In the case of any interest in qualified real property (within the meaning of section 2032A(b)), an amount equal to the adjusted tax difference attributable to such interest (within the meaning of section 2032A(c)(2)(B)) shall be a lien in favor of the United States on the property in which such interest exists.
(b) Period of lien
The lien imposed by this section shall arise at the time an election is filed under section 2032A and shall continue with respect to any interest in the qualified real property—
(1) until the liability for tax under subsection (c) of section 2032A with respect to such interest has been satisfied or has become unenforceable by reason of lapse of time, or
(2) until it is established to the satisfaction of the Secretary that no further tax liability may arise under section 2032A(c) with respect to such interest.
(c) Certain rules and definitions made applicable
(1) In general
The rule set forth in paragraphs (1), (3), and (4) of section 6324A(d) shall apply with respect to the lien imposed by this section as if it were a lien imposed by section 6324A.
(2) Qualified real property
For purposes of this section, the term "qualified real property" includes qualified replacement property (within the meaning of section 2032A(h)(3)(B)) and qualified exchange property (within the meaning of section 2032A(i)(3)).
(d) Substitution of security for lien
To the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the furnishing of security may be substituted for the lien imposed by this section.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1981—Subsec. (c)(2).
1980—Subsec. (c).
1978—Subsec. (b).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1981 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment
Amendment by
§6325. Release of lien or discharge of property
(a) Release of lien
Subject to such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary shall issue a certificate of release of any lien imposed with respect to any internal revenue tax not later than 30 days after the day on which—
(1) Liability satisfied or unenforceable
The Secretary finds that the liability for the amount assessed, together with all interest in respect thereof, has been fully satisfied or has become legally unenforceable; or
(2) Bond accepted
There is furnished to the Secretary and accepted by him a bond that is conditioned upon the payment of the amount assessed, together with all interest in respect thereof, within the time prescribed by law (including any extension of such time), and that is in accordance with such requirements relating to terms, conditions, and form of the bond and sureties thereon, as may be specified by such regulations.
(b) Discharge of property
(1) Property double the amount of the liability
Subject to such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary may issue a certificate of discharge of any part of the property subject to any lien imposed under this chapter if the Secretary finds that the fair market value of that part of such property remaining subject to the lien is at least double the amount of the unsatisfied liability secured by such lien and the amount of all other liens upon such property which have priority over such lien.
(2) Part payment; interest of United States valueless
Subject to such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary may issue a certificate of discharge of any part of the property subject to the lien if—
(A) there is paid over to the Secretary in partial satisfaction of the liability secured by the lien an amount determined by the Secretary, which shall not be less than the value, as determined by the Secretary, of the interest of the United States in the part to be so discharged, or
(B) the Secretary determines at any time that the interest of the United States in the part to be so discharged has no value.
In determining the value of the interest of the United States in the part to be so discharged, the Secretary shall give consideration to the value of such part and to such liens thereon as have priority over the lien of the United States.
(3) Substitution of proceeds of sale
Subject to such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary may issue a certificate of discharge of any part of the property subject to the lien if such part of the property is sold and, pursuant to an agreement with the Secretary, the proceeds of such sale are to be held, as a fund subject to the liens and claims of the United States, in the same manner and with the same priority as such liens and claims had with respect to the discharged property.
(4) Right of substitution of value
(A) In general
At the request of the owner of any property subject to any lien imposed by this chapter, the Secretary shall issue a certificate of discharge of such property if such owner—
(i) deposits with the Secretary an amount of money equal to the value of the interest of the United States (as determined by the Secretary) in the property; or
(ii) furnishes a bond acceptable to the Secretary in a like amount.
(B) Refund of deposit with interest and release of bond
The Secretary shall refund the amount so deposited (and shall pay interest at the overpayment rate under section 6621), and shall release such bond, to the extent that the Secretary determines that—
(i) the unsatisfied liability giving rise to the lien can be satisfied from a source other than such property; or
(ii) the value of the interest of the United States in the property is less than the Secretary's prior determination of such value.
(C) Use of deposit, etc., if action to contest lien not filed
If no action is filed under section 7426(a)(4) within the period prescribed therefor, the Secretary shall, within 60 days after the expiration of such period—
(i) apply the amount deposited, or collect on such bond, to the extent necessary to satisfy the unsatisfied liability secured by the lien; and
(ii) refund (with interest as described in subparagraph (B)) any portion of the amount deposited which is not used to satisfy such liability.
(D) Exception
Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if the owner of the property is the person whose unsatisfied liability gave rise to the lien.
(c) Estate or gift tax
Subject to such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary may issue a certificate of discharge of any or all of the property subject to any lien imposed by section 6324 if the Secretary finds that the liability secured by such lien has been fully satisfied or provided for.
(d) Subordination of lien
Subject to such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary may issue a certificate of subordination of any lien imposed by this chapter upon any part of the property subject to such lien if—
(1) there is paid over to the Secretary an amount equal to the amount of the lien or interest to which the certificate subordinates the lien of the United States,
(2) the Secretary believes that the amount realizable by the United States from the property to which the certificate relates, or from any other property subject to the lien, will ultimately be increased by reason of the issuance of such certificate and that the ultimate collection of the tax liability will be facilitated by such subordination, or
(3) in the case of any lien imposed by section 6324B, if the Secretary determines that the United States will be adequately secured after such subordination.
(e) Nonattachment of lien
If the Secretary determines that, because of confusion of names or otherwise, any person (other than the person against whom the tax was assessed) is or may be injured by the appearance that a notice of lien filed under section 6323 refers to such person, the Secretary may issue a certificate that the lien does not attach to the property of such person.
(f) Effect of certificate
(1) Conclusiveness
Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), if a certificate is issued pursuant to this section by the Secretary and is filed in the same office as the notice of lien to which it relates (if such notice of lien has been filed) such certificate shall have the following effect:
(A) in the case of a certificate of release, such certificate shall be conclusive that the lien referred to in such certificate is extinguished;
(B) in the case of a certificate of discharge, such certificate shall be conclusive that the property covered by such certificate is discharged from the lien;
(C) in the case of a certificate of subordination, such certificate shall be conclusive that the lien or interest to which the lien of the United States is subordinated is superior to the lien of the United States; and
(D) in the case of a certificate of nonattachment, such certificate shall be conclusive that the lien of the United States does not attach to the property of the person referred to in such certificate.
(2) Revocation of certificate of release or nonattachment
If the Secretary determines that a certificate of release or nonattachment of a lien imposed by section 6321 was issued erroneously or improvidently, or if a certificate of release of such lien was issued pursuant to a collateral agreement entered into in connection with a compromise under section 7122 which has been breached, and if the period of limitation on collection after assessment has not expired, the Secretary may revoke such certificate and reinstate the lien—
(A) by mailing notice of such revocation to the person against whom the tax was assessed at his last known address, and
(B) by filing notice of such revocation in the same office in which the notice of lien to which it relates was filed (if such notice of lien had been filed).
Such reinstated lien (i) shall be effective on the date notice of revocation is mailed to the taxpayer in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph (A), but not earlier than the date on which any required filing of notice of revocation is filed in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph (B), and (ii) shall have the same force and effect (as of such date), until the expiration of the period of limitation on collection after assessment, as a lien imposed by section 6321 (relating to lien for taxes).
(3) Certificates void under certain conditions
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, any lien imposed by this chapter shall attach to any property with respect to which a certificate of discharge has been issued if the person liable for the tax reacquires such property after such certificate has been issued.
(g) Filing of certificates and notices
If a certificate or notice issued pursuant to this section may not be filed in the office designated by State law in which the notice of lien imposed by section 6321 is filed, such certificate or notice shall be effective if filed in the office of the clerk of the United States district court for the judicial district in which such office is situated.
(h) Cross reference
For provisions relating to bonds, see
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1998—Subsec. (b)(4).
1982—Subsec. (a).
1978—Subsec. (d)(3).
1976—
1966—Subsec. (b)(3).
Subsecs. (d), (e).
Subsec. (f).
Subsec. (g).
Subsec. (h).
1958—Subsec. (a)(1).
Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (d).
Subsec. (e).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
Effective Date of 1982 Amendment
"(1) which are filed after December 31, 1982,
"(2) which are satisfied after December 31, 1982, or
"(3) with respect to which the taxpayer after December 31, 1982, requests the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate to issue a certificate of release on the grounds that the liability was satisfied or legally unenforceable."
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1958 Amendment
Amendment by
§6326. Administrative appeal of liens
(a) In general
In such form and at such time as the Secretary shall prescribe by regulations, any person shall be allowed to appeal to the Secretary after the filing of a notice of a lien under this subchapter on the property or the rights to property of such person for a release of such lien alleging an error in the filing of the notice of such lien.
(b) Certificate of release
If the Secretary determines that the filing of the notice of any lien was erroneous, the Secretary shall expeditiously (and, to the extent practicable, within 14 days after such determination) issue a certificate of release of such lien and shall include in such certificate a statement that such filing was erroneous.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 6326 was renumbered 6327 of this title.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Regulations
§6327. Cross references
(1) For lien in case of tax on distilled spirits, see section 5004.
(2) For exclusion of tax liability from discharge in cases under
(3) For recognition of tax liens in cases under
(4) For collection of taxes in connection with plans for individuals with regular income in cases under
(5) For provisions permitting the United States to be made party defendant in a proceeding in a State court for the foreclosure of a lien upon real estate where the United States may have a claim upon the premises involved, see
(6) For priority of lien of the United States in case of insolvency, see
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1982—Par. (6).
1980—Par. (2).
Par. (3).
Par. (4).
Pars. (5) to (7).
1976—Pars. (2) to (5).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
Amendment by
Subchapter D—Seizure of Property for Collection of Taxes
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Amendments
1998—
PART I—DUE PROCESS FOR COLLECTIONS
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Amendments
1998—
§6330. Notice and opportunity for hearing before levy
(a) Requirement of notice before levy
(1) In general
No levy may be made on any property or right to property of any person unless the Secretary has notified such person in writing of their right to a hearing under this section before such levy is made. Such notice shall be required only once for the taxable period to which the unpaid tax specified in paragraph (3)(A) relates.
(2) Time and method for notice
The notice required under paragraph (1) shall be—
(A) given in person;
(B) left at the dwelling or usual place of business of such person; or
(C) sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to such person's last known address;
not less than 30 days before the day of the first levy with respect to the amount of the unpaid tax for the taxable period.
(3) Information included with notice
The notice required under paragraph (1) shall include in simple and nontechnical terms—
(A) the amount of unpaid tax;
(B) the right of the person to request a hearing during the 30-day period under paragraph (2); and
(C) the proposed action by the Secretary and the rights of the person with respect to such action, including a brief statement which sets forth—
(i) the provisions of this title relating to levy and sale of property;
(ii) the procedures applicable to the levy and sale of property under this title;
(iii) the administrative appeals available to the taxpayer with respect to such levy and sale and the procedures relating to such appeals;
(iv) the alternatives available to taxpayers which could prevent levy on property (including installment agreements under section 6159); and
(v) the provisions of this title and procedures relating to redemption of property and release of liens on property.
(b) Right to fair hearing
(1) In general
If the person requests a hearing in writing under subsection (a)(3)(B) and states the grounds for the requested hearing, such hearing shall be held by the Internal Revenue Service Independent Office of Appeals.
(2) One hearing per period
A person shall be entitled to only one hearing under this section with respect to the taxable period to which the unpaid tax specified in subsection (a)(3)(A) relates.
(3) Impartial officer
The hearing under this subsection shall be conducted by an officer or employee who has had no prior involvement with respect to the unpaid tax specified in subsection (a)(3)(A) before the first hearing under this section or section 6320. A taxpayer may waive the requirement of this paragraph.
(c) Matters considered at hearing
In the case of any hearing conducted under this section—
(1) Requirement of investigation
The appeals officer shall at the hearing obtain verification from the Secretary that the requirements of any applicable law or administrative procedure have been met.
(2) Issues at hearing
(A) In general
The person may raise at the hearing any relevant issue relating to the unpaid tax or the proposed levy, including—
(i) appropriate spousal defenses;
(ii) challenges to the appropriateness of collection actions; and
(iii) offers of collection alternatives, which may include the posting of a bond, the substitution of other assets, an installment agreement, or an offer-in-compromise.
(B) Underlying liability
The person may also raise at the hearing challenges to the existence or amount of the underlying tax liability for any tax period if the person did not receive any statutory notice of deficiency for such tax liability or did not otherwise have an opportunity to dispute such tax liability.
(3) Basis for the determination
The determination by an appeals officer under this subsection shall take into consideration—
(A) the verification presented under paragraph (1);
(B) the issues raised under paragraph (2); and
(C) whether any proposed collection action balances the need for the efficient collection of taxes with the legitimate concern of the person that any collection action be no more intrusive than necessary.
(4) Certain issues precluded
An issue may not be raised at the hearing if—
(A)(i) the issue was raised and considered at a previous hearing under section 6320 or in any other previous administrative or judicial proceeding; and
(ii) the person seeking to raise the issue participated meaningfully in such hearing or proceeding;
(B) the issue meets the requirement of clause (i) or (ii) of section 6702(b)(2)(A); or
(C) a final determination has been made with respect to such issue in a proceeding brought under subchapter C of
This paragraph shall not apply to any issue with respect to which subsection (d)(3)(B) applies.
(d) Proceeding after hearing
(1) Petition for review by Tax Court
The person may, within 30 days of a determination under this section, petition the Tax Court for review of such determination (and the Tax Court shall have jurisdiction with respect to such matter).
(2) Suspension of running of period for filing petition in title 11 cases
In the case of a person who is prohibited by reason of a case under
(3) Jurisdiction retained at IRS Independent Office of Appeals
The Internal Revenue Service Independent Office of Appeals shall retain jurisdiction with respect to any determination made under this section, including subsequent hearings requested by the person who requested the original hearing on issues regarding—
(A) collection actions taken or proposed with respect to such determination; and
(B) after the person has exhausted all administrative remedies, a change in circumstances with respect to such person which affects such determination.
(e) Suspension of collections and statute of limitations
(1) In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), if a hearing is requested under subsection (a)(3)(B), the levy actions which are the subject of the requested hearing and the running of any period of limitations under section 6502 (relating to collection after assessment), section 6531 (relating to criminal prosecutions), or section 6532 (relating to other suits) shall be suspended for the period during which such hearing, and appeals therein, are pending. In no event shall any such period expire before the 90th day after the day on which there is a final determination in such hearing. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 7421(a), the beginning of a levy or proceeding during the time the suspension under this paragraph is in force may be enjoined by a proceeding in the proper court, including the Tax Court. The Tax Court shall have no jurisdiction under this paragraph to enjoin any action or proceeding unless a timely appeal has been filed under subsection (d)(1) and then only in respect of the unpaid tax or proposed levy to which the determination being appealed relates.
(2) Levy upon appeal
Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a levy action while an appeal is pending if the underlying tax liability is not at issue in the appeal and the court determines that the Secretary has shown good cause not to suspend the levy.
(f) Exceptions
If—
(1) the Secretary has made a finding under the last sentence of section 6331(a) that the collection of tax is in jeopardy,
(2) the Secretary has served a levy on a State to collect a Federal tax liability from a State tax refund,
(3) the Secretary has served a disqualified employment tax levy, or
(4) the Secretary has served a Federal contractor levy,
this section shall not apply, except that the taxpayer shall be given the opportunity for the hearing described in this section within a reasonable period of time after the levy.
(g) Frivolous requests for hearing, etc.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if the Secretary determines that any portion of a request for a hearing under this section or section 6320 meets the requirement of clause (i) or (ii) of section 6702(b)(2)(A), then the Secretary may treat such portion as if it were never submitted and such portion shall not be subject to any further administrative or judicial review.
(h) Definitions related to exceptions
For purposes of subsection (f)—
(1) Disqualified employment tax levy
A disqualified employment tax levy is any levy in connection with the collection of employment taxes for any taxable period if the person subject to the levy (or any predecessor thereof) requested a hearing under this section with respect to unpaid employment taxes arising in the most recent 2-year period before the beginning of the taxable period with respect to which the levy is served. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term "employment taxes" means any taxes under
(2) Federal contractor levy
A Federal contractor levy is any levy if the person whose property is subject to the levy (or any predecessor thereof) is a Federal contractor.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2019—Subsec. (b)(1).
Subsec. (d)(3).
2018—Subsec. (c)(4).
Subsec. (d)(2).
2015—Subsec. (c)(4)(C).
Subsec. (d)(1).
Subsec. (d)(2), (3).
2010—Subsec. (f).
Subsec. (f)(4).
Subsec. (h).
2007—Subsec. (f)(3).
Subsec. (h).
2006—Subsec. (b)(1).
Subsec. (c)(4)(A), (B).
Subsec. (d)(1).
"(A) to the Tax Court (and the Tax Court shall have jurisdiction with respect to such matter); or
"(B) if the Tax Court does not have jurisdiction of the underlying tax liability, to a district court of the United States.
If a court determines that the appeal was to an incorrect court, a person shall have 30 days after the court determination to file such appeal with the correct court."
Subsec. (g).
2000—Subsec. (d)(1)(A).
Subsec. (e)(1).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2015 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 2010 Amendment
Effective Date of 2007 Amendment
Effective Date of 2006 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 2000 Amendment
Amendment by section 1(a)(7) [title III, §313(b)(2)(A)] of
Effective Date
Section applicable to collection actions initiated after the date which is 180 days after July 22, 1998, see section 3401(d) of
PART II—LEVY
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1998—
1966—
§6331. Levy and distraint
(a) Authority of Secretary
If any person liable to pay any tax neglects or refuses to pay the same within 10 days after notice and demand, it shall be lawful for the Secretary to collect such tax (and such further sum as shall be sufficient to cover the expenses of the levy) by levy upon all property and rights to property (except such property as is exempt under section 6334) belonging to such person or on which there is a lien provided in this chapter for the payment of such tax. Levy may be made upon the accrued salary or wages of any officer, employee, or elected official, of the United States, the District of Columbia, or any agency or instrumentality of the United States or the District of Columbia, by serving a notice of levy on the employer (as defined in section 3401(d)) of such officer, employee, or elected official. If the Secretary makes a finding that the collection of such tax is in jeopardy, notice and demand for immediate payment of such tax may be made by the Secretary and, upon failure or refusal to pay such tax, collection thereof by levy shall be lawful without regard to the 10-day period provided in this section.
(b) Seizure and sale of property
The term "levy" as used in this title includes the power of distraint and seizure by any means. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (e), a levy shall extend only to property possessed and obligations existing at the time thereof. In any case in which the Secretary may levy upon property or rights to property, he may seize and sell such property or rights to property (whether real or personal, tangible or intangible).
(c) Successive seizures
Whenever any property or right to property upon which levy has been made by virtue of subsection (a) is not sufficient to satisfy the claim of the United States for which levy is made, the Secretary may, thereafter, and as often as may be necessary, proceed to levy in like manner upon any other property liable to levy of the person against whom such claim exists, until the amount due from him, together with all expenses, is fully paid.
(d) Requirement of notice before levy
(1) In general
Levy may be made under subsection (a) upon the salary or wages or other property of any person with respect to any unpaid tax only after the Secretary has notified such person in writing of his intention to make such levy.
(2) 30-day requirement
The notice required under paragraph (1) shall be—
(A) given in person,
(B) left at the dwelling or usual place of business of such person, or
(C) sent by certified or registered mail to such persons's last known address,
no less than 30 days before the day of the levy.
(3) Jeopardy
Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a levy if the Secretary has made a finding under the last sentence of subsection (a) that the collection of tax is in jeopardy.
(4) Information included with notice
The notice required under paragraph (1) shall include a brief statement which sets forth in simple and nontechnical terms—
(A) the provisions of this title relating to levy and sale of property,
(B) the procedures applicable to the levy and sale of property under this title,
(C) the administrative appeals available to the taxpayer with respect to such levy and sale and the procedures relating to such appeals,
(D) the alternatives available to taxpayers which could prevent levy on the property (including installment agreements under section 6159),
(E) the provisions of this title relating to redemption of property and release of liens on property,
(F) the procedures applicable to the redemption of property and the release of a lien on property under this title, and
(G) the provisions of section 7345 relating to the certification of seriously delinquent tax debts and the denial, revocation, or limitation of passports of individuals with such debts pursuant to section 32101 of the FAST Act.
(e) Continuing levy on salary and wages
The effect of a levy on salary or wages payable to or received by a taxpayer shall be continuous from the date such levy is first made until such levy is released under section 6343.
(f) Uneconomical levy
No levy may be made on any property if the amount of the expenses which the Secretary estimates (at the time of levy) would be incurred by the Secretary with respect to the levy and sale of such property exceeds the fair market value of such property at the time of levy.
(g) Levy on appearance date of summons
(1) In general
No levy may be made on the property of any person on any day on which such person (or officer or employee of such person) is required to appear in response to a summons issued by the Secretary for the purpose of collecting any underpayment of tax.
(2) No application in case of jeopardy
This subsection shall not apply if the Secretary finds that the collection of tax is in jeopardy.
(h) Continuing levy on certain payments
(1) In general
If the Secretary approves a levy under this subsection, the effect of such levy on specified payments to or received by a taxpayer shall be continuous from the date such levy is first made until such levy is released. Notwithstanding section 6334, such continuous levy shall attach to up to 15 percent of any specified payment due to the taxpayer.
(2) Specified payment
For the purposes of paragraph (1), the term "specified payment" means—
(A) any Federal payment other than a payment for which eligibility is based on the income or assets (or both) of a payee,
(B) any payment described in paragraph (4), (7), (9), or (11) of section 6334(a), and
(C) any annuity or pension payment under the Railroad Retirement Act or benefit under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act.
(3) Increase in levy for certain payments
Paragraph (1) shall be applied by substituting "100 percent" for "15 percent" in the case of any specified payment due to a vendor of property, goods, or services sold or leased to the Federal Government and by substituting "100 percent" for "15 percent" in the case of any specified payment due to a Medicare provider or supplier under title XVIII of the Social Security Act.
(i) No levy during pendency of proceedings for refund of divisible tax
(1) In general
No levy may be made under subsection (a) on the property or rights to property of any person with respect to any unpaid divisible tax during the pendency of any proceeding brought by such person in a proper Federal trial court for the recovery of any portion of such divisible tax which was paid by such person if—
(A) the decision in such proceeding would be res judicata with respect to such unpaid tax; or
(B) such person would be collaterally estopped from contesting such unpaid tax by reason of such proceeding.
(2) Divisible tax
For purposes of paragraph (1), the term "divisible tax" means—
(A) any tax imposed by subtitle C; and
(B) the penalty imposed by section 6672 with respect to any such tax.
(3) Exceptions
(A) Certain unpaid taxes
This subsection shall not apply with respect to any unpaid tax if—
(i) the taxpayer files a written notice with the Secretary which waives the restriction imposed by this subsection on levy with respect to such tax; or
(ii) the Secretary finds that the collection of such tax is in jeopardy.
(B) Certain levies
This subsection shall not apply to—
(i) any levy to carry out an offset under section 6402; and
(ii) any levy which was first made before the date that the applicable proceeding under this subsection commenced.
(4) Limitation on collection activity; authority to enjoin collection
(A) Limitation on collection
No proceeding in court for the collection of any unpaid tax to which paragraph (1) applies shall be begun by the Secretary during the pendency of a proceeding under such paragraph. This subparagraph shall not apply to—
(i) any counterclaim in a proceeding under such paragraph; or
(ii) any proceeding relating to a proceeding under such paragraph.
(B) Authority to enjoin
Notwithstanding section 7421(a), a levy or collection proceeding prohibited by this subsection may be enjoined (during the period such prohibition is in force) by the court in which the proceeding under paragraph (1) is brought.
(5) Suspension of statute of limitations on collection
The period of limitations under section 6502 shall be suspended for the period during which the Secretary is prohibited under this subsection from making a levy.
(6) Pendency of proceeding
For purposes of this subsection, a proceeding is pending beginning on the date such proceeding commences and ending on the date that a final order or judgment from which an appeal may be taken is entered in such proceeding.
(j) No levy before investigation of status of property
(1) In general
For purposes of applying the provisions of this subchapter, no levy may be made on any property or right to property which is to be sold under section 6335 until a thorough investigation of the status of such property has been completed.
(2) Elements in investigation
For purposes of paragraph (1), an investigation of the status of any property shall include—
(A) a verification of the taxpayer's liability;
(B) the completion of an analysis under subsection (f);
(C) the determination that the equity in such property is sufficient to yield net proceeds from the sale of such property to apply to such liability; and
(D) a thorough consideration of alternative collection methods.
(k) No levy while certain offers pending or installment agreement pending or in effect
(1) Offer-in-compromise pending
No levy may be made under subsection (a) on the property or rights to property of any person with respect to any unpaid tax—
(A) during the period that an offer-in-compromise by such person under section 7122 of such unpaid tax is pending with the Secretary; and
(B) if such offer is rejected by the Secretary, during the 30 days thereafter (and, if an appeal of such rejection is filed within such 30 days, during the period that such appeal is pending).
For purposes of subparagraph (A), an offer is pending beginning on the date the Secretary accepts such offer for processing.
(2) Installment agreements
No levy may be made under subsection (a) on the property or rights to property of any person with respect to any unpaid tax—
(A) during the period that an offer by such person for an installment agreement under section 6159 for payment of such unpaid tax is pending with the Secretary;
(B) if such offer is rejected by the Secretary, during the 30 days thereafter (and, if an appeal of such rejection is filed within such 30 days, during the period that such appeal is pending);
(C) during the period that such an installment agreement for payment of such unpaid tax is in effect; and
(D) if such agreement is terminated by the Secretary, during the 30 days thereafter (and, if an appeal of such termination is filed within such 30 days, during the period that such appeal is pending).
(3) Certain rules to apply
Rules similar to the rules of—
(A) paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (i), and
(B) except in the case of paragraph (2)(C), paragraph (5) of subsection (i),
shall apply for purposes of this subsection.
(l) Cross references
(1) For provisions relating to jeopardy, see subchapter A of
(2) For proceedings applicable to sale of seized property see section 6335.
(3) For release and notice of release of levy, see section 6343.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Section 32101 of the FAST Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(4)(G), is section 32101 of
The Railroad Retirement Act, referred to in subsec. (h)(2)(C), is act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, as amended generally by
The Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, referred to in subsec. (h)(2)(C), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 680,
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (h)(3), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531,
Amendments
2015—Subsec. (d)(4)(G).
Subsec. (h)(3).
2014—Subsec. (h)(3).
2011—Subsec. (h)(3).
2004—Subsec. (h)(3).
2002—Subsec. (k)(3).
2000—Subsec. (k)(3).
1998—Subsec. (h)(1).
Subsec. (i).
Subsec. (j).
Subsec. (k).
Subsec. (l).
1997—Subsecs. (h), (i).
1988—Subsec. (d)(2).
Subsec. (d)(4).
Subsec. (e).
Subsecs. (f), (g).
Subsec. (h).
1984—Subsec. (b).
1982—Subsec. (d).
Subsec. (e).
Subsec. (f).
1976—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (d)(1).
Subsec. (d)(2).
Subsec. (d)(3).
1971—Subsecs. (d), (e).
1966—Subsec. (b).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2015 Amendment
Effective Date of 2014 Amendment
Effective Date of 2011 Amendment
Effective Date of 2004 Amendment
Effective Date of 2002 Amendment
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
"(1)
"(2)
Amendment by section 6010(f) of
Effective Date of 1997 Amendment
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
"(1)
"(2)
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1982 Amendment
Effective Date of 1976 Amendment
Amendment by section 1209(d)(1), (2), (4) of
Effective Date of 1971 Amendment
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Amendment by
§6332. Surrender of property subject to levy
(a) Requirement
Except as otherwise provided in this section, any person in possession of (or obligated with respect to) property or rights to property subject to levy upon which a levy has been made shall, upon demand of the Secretary, surrender such property or rights (or discharge such obligation) to the Secretary, except such part of the property or rights as is, at the time of such demand, subject to an attachment or execution under any judicial process.
(b) Special rule for life insurance and endowment contracts
(1) In general
A levy on an organization with respect to a life insurance or endowment contract issued by such organization shall, without necessity for the surrender of the contract document, constitute a demand by the Secretary for payment of the amount described in paragraph (2) and the exercise of the right of the person against whom the tax is assessed to the advance of such amount. Such organization shall pay over such amount 90 days after service of notice of levy. Such notice shall include a certification by the Secretary that a copy of such notice has been mailed to the person against whom the tax is assessed at his last known address.
(2) Satisfaction of levy
Such levy shall be deemed to be satisfied if such organization pays over to the Secretary the amount which the person against whom the tax is assessed could have had advanced to him by such organization on the date prescribed in paragraph (1) for the satisfaction of such levy, increased by the amount of any advance (including contractual interest thereon) made to such person on or after the date such organization had actual notice or knowledge (within the meaning of section 6323(i)(1)) of the existence of the lien with respect to which such levy is made, other than an advance (including contractual interest thereon) made automatically to maintain such contract in force under an agreement entered into before such organization had such notice or knowledge.
(3) Enforcement proceedings
The satisfaction of a levy under paragraph (2) shall be without prejudice to any civil action for the enforcement of any lien imposed by this title with respect to such contract.
(c) Special rule for banks
Any bank (as defined in section 408(n)) shall surrender (subject to an attachment or execution under judicial process) any deposits (including interest thereon) in such bank only after 21 days after service of levy.
(d) Enforcement of levy
(1) Extent of personal liability
Any person who fails or refuses to surrender any property or rights to property, subject to levy, upon demand by the Secretary, shall be liable in his own person and estate to the United States in a sum equal to the value of the property or rights not so surrendered, but not exceeding the amount of taxes for the collection of which such levy has been made, together with costs and interest on such sum at the underpayment rate established under section 6621 from the date of such levy (or, in the case of a levy described in section 6331(d)(3), from the date such person would otherwise have been obligated to pay over such amounts to the taxpayer). Any amount (other than costs) recovered under this paragraph shall be credited against the tax liability for the collection of which such levy was made.
(2) Penalty for violation
In addition to the personal liability imposed by paragraph (1), if any person required to surrender property or rights to property fails or refuses to surrender such property or rights to property without reasonable cause, such person shall be liable for a penalty equal to 50 percent of the amount recoverable under paragraph (1). No part of such penalty shall be credited against the tax liability for the collection of which such levy was made.
(e) Effect of honoring levy
Any person in possession of (or obligated with respect to) property or rights to property subject to levy upon which a levy has been made who, upon demand by the Secretary, surrenders such property or rights to property (or discharges such obligation) to the Secretary (or who pays a liability under subsection (d)(1)) shall be discharged from any obligation or liability to the delinquent taxpayer and any other person with respect to such property or rights to property arising from such surrender or payment.
(f) Person defined
The term "person," as used in subsection (a), includes an officer or employee of a corporation or a member or employee of a partnership, who as such officer, employee, or member is under a duty to surrender the property or rights to property, or to discharge the obligation.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1990—Subsec. (a).
1988—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (d).
Subsec. (e).
Subsec. (f).
1986—Subsec. (c)(1).
1976—Subsecs. (a), (b).
Subsec. (c)(1).
Subsec. (d).
1975—Subsec. (c)(1).
1966—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (d).
Subsec. (e).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
Amendment by section 6236(e) of
Effective Date of 1986 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1976 Amendment
Amendment by section 1209(d)(3) of
Effective Date of 1975 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Amendment by
§6333. Production of books
If a levy has been made or is about to be made on any property, or right to property, any person having custody or control of any books or records, containing evidence or statements relating to the property or right to property subject to levy, shall, upon demand of the Secretary, exhibit such books or records to the Secretary.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1976—
§6334. Property exempt from levy
(a) Enumeration
There shall be exempt from levy—
(1) Wearing apparel and school books
Such items of wearing apparel and such school books as are necessary for the taxpayer or for members of his family;
(2) Fuel, provisions, furniture, and personal effects
So much of the fuel, provisions, furniture, and personal effects in the taxpayer's household, and of the arms for personal use, livestock, and poultry of the taxpayer, as does not exceed $6,250 in value;
(3) Books and tools of a trade, business, or profession
So many of the books and tools necessary for the trade, business, or profession of the taxpayer as do not exceed in the aggregate $3,125 in value.
(4) Unemployment benefits
Any amount payable to an individual with respect to his unemployment (including any portion thereof payable with respect to dependents) under an unemployment compensation law of the United States, of any State, or of the District of Columbia or of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(5) Undelivered mail
Mail, addressed to any person, which has not been delivered to the addressee.
(6) Certain annuity and pension payments
Annuity or pension payments under the Railroad Retirement Act, benefits under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, special pension payments received by a person whose name has been entered on the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard Medal of Honor roll (
(7) Workmen's compensation
Any amount payable to an individual as workmen's compensation (including any portion thereof payable with respect to dependents) under a workmen's compensation law of the United States, any State, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(8) Judgments for support of minor children
If the taxpayer is required by judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, entered prior to the date of levy, to contribute to the support of his minor children, so much of his salary, wages, or other income as is necessary to comply with such judgment.
(9) Minimum exemption for wages, salary, and other income
Any amount payable to or received by an individual as wages or salary for personal services, or as income derived from other sources, during any period, to the extent that the total of such amounts payable to or received by him during such period does not exceed the applicable exempt amount determined under subsection (d).
(10) Certain service-connected disability payments
Any amount payable to an individual as a service-connected (within the meaning of
(A) subchapter II, III, IV, V, or VI of
(B)
(11) Certain public assistance payments
Any amount payable to an individual as a recipient of public assistance under—
(A) title IV or title XVI (relating to supplemental security income for the aged, blind, and disabled) of the Social Security Act, or
(B) State or local government public assistance or public welfare programs for which eligibility is determined by a needs or income test.
(12) Assistance under Job Training Partnership Act
Any amount payable to a participant under the Job Training Partnership Act (
(13) Residences exempt in small deficiency cases and principal residences and certain business assets exempt in absence of certain approval or jeopardy
(A) Residences in small deficiency cases
If the amount of the levy does not exceed $5,000—
(i) any real property used as a residence by the taxpayer; or
(ii) any real property of the taxpayer (other than real property which is rented) used by any other individual as a residence.
(B) Principal residences and certain business assets
Except to the extent provided in subsection (e)—
(i) the principal residence of the taxpayer (within the meaning of section 121); and
(ii) tangible personal property or real property (other than real property which is rented) used in the trade or business of an individual taxpayer.
(b) Appraisal
The officer seizing property of the type described in subsection (a) shall appraise and set aside to the owner the amount of such property declared to be exempt. If the taxpayer objects at the time of the seizure to the valuation fixed by the officer making the seizure, the Secretary shall summon three disinterested individuals who shall make the valuation.
(c) No other property exempt
Notwithstanding any other law of the United States (including section 207 of the Social Security Act), no property or rights to property shall be exempt from levy other than the property specifically made exempt by subsection (a).
(d) Exempt amount of wages, salary, or other income
(1) Individuals on weekly basis
In the case of an individual who is paid or receives all of his wages, salary, and other income on a weekly basis, the amount of the wages, salary, and other income payable to or received by him during any week which is exempt from levy under subsection (a)(9) shall be the exempt amount.
(2) Exempt amount
For purposes of paragraph (1), the term "exempt amount" means an amount equal to—
(A) the sum of—
(i) the standard deduction, and
(ii) the aggregate amount of the deductions for personal exemptions allowed the taxpayer under section 151 in the taxable year in which such levy occurs, divided by
(B) 52.
Unless the taxpayer submits to the Secretary a written and properly verified statement specifying the facts necessary to determine the proper amount under subparagraph (A), subparagraph (A) shall be applied as if the taxpayer were a married individual filing a separate return with only 1 personal exemption.
(3) Individuals on basis other than weekly
In the case of any individual not described in paragraph (1), the amount of the wages, salary, and other income payable to or received by him during any applicable pay period or other fiscal period (as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary) which is exempt from levy under subsection (a)(9) shall be an amount (determined under such regulations) which as nearly as possible will result in the same total exemption from levy for such individual over a period of time as he would have under paragraph (1) if (during such period of time) he were paid or received such wages, salary, and other income on a regular weekly basis.
(4) Years when personal exemption amount is zero
(A) In general
In the case of any taxable year in which the exemption amount under section 151(d) is zero, paragraph (2) shall not apply and for purposes of paragraph (1) the term "exempt amount" means an amount equal to—
(i) the sum of the amount determined under subparagraph (B) and the standard deduction, divided by
(ii) 52.
(B) Amount determined
For purposes of subparagraph (A), the amount determined under this subparagraph is $4,150 multiplied by the number of the taxpayer's dependents for the taxable year in which the levy occurs.
(C) Inflation adjustment
In the case of any taxable year beginning in a calendar year after 2018, the $4,150 amount in subparagraph (B) shall be increased by an amount equal to—
(i) such dollar amount, multiplied by
(ii) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting "2017" for "2016" in subparagraph (A)(ii) thereof.
If any increase determined under the preceding sentence is not a multiple of $100, such increase shall be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $100.
(D) Verified statement
Unless the taxpayer submits to the Secretary a written and properly verified statement specifying the facts necessary to determine the proper amount under subparagraph (A), subparagraph (A) shall be applied as if the taxpayer were a married individual filing a separate return with no dependents.
(e) Levy allowed on principal residences and certain business assets in certain circumstances
(1) Principal residences
(A) Approval required
A principal residence shall not be exempt from levy if a judge or magistrate of a district court of the United States approves (in writing) the levy of such residence.
(B) Jurisdiction
The district courts of the United States shall have exclusive jurisdiction to approve a levy under subparagraph (A).
(2) Certain business assets
Property (other than a principal residence) described in subsection (a)(13)(B) shall not be exempt from levy if—
(A) a district director or assistant district director of the Internal Revenue Service personally approves (in writing) the levy of such property; or
(B) the Secretary finds that the collection of tax is in jeopardy.
An official may not approve a levy under subparagraph (A) unless the official determines that the taxpayer's other assets subject to collection are insufficient to pay the amount due, together with expenses of the proceedings.
(f) Levy allowed on certain specified payments
Any payment described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of section 6331(h)(2) shall not be exempt from levy if the Secretary approves the levy thereon under section 6331(h).
(g) Inflation adjustment
(1) In general
In the case of any calendar year beginning after 1999, each dollar amount referred to in paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a) shall be increased by an amount equal to—
(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for such calendar year, by substituting "calendar year 1998" for "calendar year 2016" in subparagraph (A)(ii) thereof.
(2) Rounding
If any dollar amount after being increased under paragraph (1) is not a multiple of $10, such dollar amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Inflation Adjusted Items for Certain Years
For inflation adjustment of certain items in this section, see Revenue Procedures listed in a table under
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Railroad Retirement Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(6), is act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, as amended generally by
The Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(6), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 680,
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(11)(A) and (c), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531,
The Job Training Partnership Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(12), is
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (a)(10)(A).
2017—Subsec. (d)(4).
Subsec. (g)(1)(B).
1998—Subsec. (a)(2).
Subsec. (a)(3).
Subsec. (a)(13).
Subsec. (e).
"(1) a district director or assistant district director of the Internal Revenue Service personally approves (in writing) the levy of such property, or
"(2) the Secretary finds that the collection of tax is in jeopardy."
Subsec. (g)(1).
Subsec. (g)(1)(B).
1997—Subsec. (a)(11)(A).
Subsec. (a)(13).
Subsecs. (f), (g).
1996—Subsec. (a)(2).
Subsec. (a)(3).
Subsec. (a)(11)(A).
Subsec. (f).
1991—Subsec. (a)(6).
1988—Subsec. (a)(2).
Subsec. (a)(3).
Subsec. (a)(10)(A).
Subsec. (a)(10)(B), (C).
Subsec. (a)(11) to (13).
Subsec. (d)(1).
"(A) $75, plus
"(B) $25 for each individual who is specified in a written statement which is submitted to the person on whom notice of levy is served and which is verified in such manner as the Secretary shall prescribe by regulations and—
"(i) over half of whose support for the payroll period was received from the taxpayer,
"(ii) who is the spouse of the taxpayer, or who bears a relationship to the taxpayer specified in paragraphs (1) through (9) of section 152(a) (relating to definition of dependents), and
"(iii) who is not a minor child of the taxpayer with respect to whom amounts are exempt from levy under subsection (a)(8) for the payroll period.
For purposes of subparagraph (B)(ii) of the preceding sentence, 'payroll period' shall be substituted for 'taxable year' each place it appears in paragraph (9) of section 152(a)."
Subsec. (d)(2), (3).
Subsec. (e).
1986—Subsec. (a)(10).
1984—Subsec. (c).
1982—Subsec. (a)(2).
Subsec. (a)(3).
Subsec. (d)(1)(A).
Subsec. (d)(1)(B).
1976—Subsec. (a)(8).
Subsec. (a)(9).
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (d).
1969—Subsec. (a)(8).
1966—Subsec. (a)(4).
Subsec. (a)(6), (7).
1965—Subsec. (a)(5).
1958—Subsec. (a)(4).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
Reference to United States magistrate or to magistrate deemed to refer to United States magistrate judge pursuant to section 321 of
Effective Date of 2017 Amendment
Amendment by section 11002(d)(1)(II) of
Amendment by section 11041(d) of
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
Effective Date of 1997 Amendments
Amendment by section 312(d)(1) of
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1996 Amendments
Amendment by section 110(l)(3) of
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
Amendment by section 6236(c) of
Effective Date of 1986 Amendment
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1982 Amendment
Effective Date of 1976 Amendment
Effective Date of 1969 Amendment
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1965 Amendment
Transfer of Functions
For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see
State Fish and Wildlife Permits
"(1)
"(2)
§6335. Sale of seized property
(a) Notice of seizure
As soon as practicable after seizure of property, notice in writing shall be given by the Secretary to the owner of the property (or, in the case of personal property, the possessor thereof), or shall be left at his usual place of abode or business if he has such within the internal revenue district where the seizure is made. If the owner cannot be readily located, or has no dwelling or place of business within such district, the notice may be mailed to his last known address. Such notice shall specify the sum demanded and shall contain, in the case of personal property, an account of the property seized and, in the case of real property, a description with reasonable certainty of the property seized.
(b) Notice of sale
The Secretary shall as soon as practicable after the seizure of the property give notice to the owner, in the manner prescribed in subsection (a), and shall cause a notification to be published in some newspaper published or generally circulated within the county wherein such seizure is made, or if there be no newspaper published or generally circulated in such county, shall post such notice at the post office nearest the place where the seizure is made, and in not less than two other public places. Such notice shall specify the property to be sold, and the time, place, manner, and conditions of the sale thereof. Whenever levy is made without regard to the 10-day period provided in section 6331(a), public notice of sale of the property seized shall not be made within such 10-day period unless section 6336 (relating to sale of perishable goods) is applicable.
(c) Sale of indivisible property
If any property liable to levy is not divisible, so as to enable the Secretary by sale of a part thereof to raise the whole amount of the tax and expenses, the whole of such property shall be sold.
(d) Time and place of sale
The time of sale shall not be less than 10 days nor more than 40 days from the time of giving public notice under subsection (b). The place of sale shall be within the county in which the property is seized, except by special order of the Secretary.
(e) Manner and conditions of sale
(1) In general
(A) Determinations relating to minimum price
Before the sale of property seized by levy, the Secretary shall determine—
(i) a minimum price below which such property shall not be sold (taking into account the expense of making the levy and conducting the sale), and
(ii) whether, on the basis of criteria prescribed by the Secretary, the purchase of such property by the United States at such minimum price would be in the best interest of the United States.
(B) Sale to highest bidder at or above minimum price
If, at the sale, one or more persons offer to purchase such property for not less than the amount of the minimum price, the property shall be declared sold to the highest bidder.
(C) Property deemed sold to United States at minimum price in certain cases
If no person offers the amount of the minimum price for such property at the sale and the Secretary has determined that the purchase of such property by the United States would be in the best interest of the United States, the property shall be declared to be sold to the United States at such minimum price.
(D) Release to owner in other cases
If, at the sale, the property is not declared sold under subparagraph (B) or (C), the property shall be released to the owner thereof and the expense of the levy and sale shall be added to the amount of tax for the collection of which the levy was made. Any property released under this subparagraph shall remain subject to any lien imposed by subchapter C.
(2) Additional rules applicable to sale
The Secretary shall by regulations prescribe the manner and other conditions of the sale of property seized by levy. If one or more alternative methods or conditions are permitted by regulations, the Secretary shall select the alternatives applicable to the sale. Such regulations shall provide:
(A) That the sale shall not be conducted in any manner other than—
(i) by public auction, or
(ii) by public sale under sealed bids.
(B) In the case of the seizure of several items of property, whether such items shall be offered separately, in groups, or in the aggregate; and whether such property shall be offered both separately (or in groups) and in the aggregate, and sold under whichever method produces the highest aggregate amount.
(C) Whether the announcement of the minimum price determined by the Secretary may be delayed until the receipt of the highest bid.
(D) Whether payment in full shall be required at the time of acceptance of a bid, or whether a part of such payment may be deferred for such period (not to exceed 1 month) as may be determined by the Secretary to be appropriate.
(E) The extent to which methods (including advertising) in addition to those prescribed in subsection (b) may be used in giving notice of the sale.
(F) Under what circumstances the Secretary may adjourn the sale from time to time (but such adjournments shall not be for a period to exceed in all 1 month).
(3) Payment of amount bid
If payment in full is required at the time of acceptance of a bid and is not then and there paid, the Secretary shall forthwith proceed to again sell the property in the manner provided in this subsection. If the conditions of the sale permit part of the payment to be deferred, and if such part is not paid within the prescribed period, suit may be instituted against the purchaser for the purchase price or such part thereof as has not been paid, together with interest at the rate of 6 percent per annum from the date of the sale; or, in the discretion of the Secretary, the sale may be declared by the Secretary to be null and void for failure to make full payment of the purchase price and the property may again be advertised and sold as provided in subsections (b) and (c) and this subsection. In the event of such readvertisement and sale any new purchaser shall receive such property or rights to property, free and clear of any claim or right of the former defaulting purchaser, of any nature whatsoever, and the amount paid upon the bid price by such defaulting purchaser shall be forfeited.
(4) Cross reference
For provision providing for civil damages for violation of paragraph (1)(A)(i), see section 7433.
(f) Right to request sale of seized property within 60 days
The owner of any property seized by levy may request that the Secretary sell such property within 60 days after such request (or within such longer period as may be specified by the owner). The Secretary shall comply with such request unless the Secretary determines (and notifies the owner within such period) that such compliance would not be in the best interests of the United States.
(g) Stay of sale of seized property pending Tax Court decision
For restrictions on sale of seized property pending Tax Court decision, see section 6863(b)(3).
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1998—Subsec. (e)(1)(A)(i).
Subsec. (e)(4).
1988—Subsecs. (f), (g).
1986—Subsec. (e)(1).
1976—
1966—Subsec. (b).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1986 Amendment
"(1) property seized after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 22, 1986], and
"(2) property seized on or before such date which is held by the United States on such date."
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Amendment by
Uniform Asset Disposal Mechanism
§6336. Sale of perishable goods
If the Secretary determines that any property seized is liable to perish, he shall appraise the value of such property and—
(1) Return to owner
If the owner of the property can be readily found, the Secretary shall give him notice of such determination of the appraised value of the property. The property shall be returned to the owner if, within such time as may be specified in the notice, the owner—
(A) Pays to the Secretary an amount equal to the appraised value, or
(B) Gives bond in such form, with such sureties, and in such amount as the Secretary shall prescribe, to pay the appraised amount at such time as the Secretary determines to be appropriate in the circumstances.
(2) Immediate sale
If the owner does not pay such amount or furnish such bond in accordance with this section, the Secretary shall as soon as practicable make public sale of the property in accordance with such regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2019—
1976—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2019 Amendment
§6337. Redemption of property
(a) Before sale
Any person whose property has been levied upon shall have the right to pay the amount due, together with the expenses of the proceeding, if any, to the Secretary at any time prior to the sale thereof, and upon such payment the Secretary shall restore such property to him, and all further proceedings in connection with the levy on such property shall cease from the time of such payment.
(b) Redemption of real estate after sale
(1) Period
The owners of any real property sold as provided in section 6335, their heirs, executors, or administrators, or any person having any interest therein, or a lien thereon, or any person in their behalf, shall be permitted to redeem the property sold, or any particular tract of such property, at any time within 180 days after the sale thereof.
(2) Price
Such property or tract of property shall be permitted to be redeemed upon payment to the purchaser, or in case he cannot be found in the county in which the property to be redeemed is situated, then to the Secretary, for the use of the purchaser, his heirs, or assigns, the amount paid by such purchaser and interest thereon at the rate of 20 percent per annum.
(c) Record
When any lands sold are redeemed as provided in this section, the Secretary shall cause entry of the fact to be made upon the record mentioned in section 6340, and such entry shall be evidence of such redemption.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1982—Subsec. (b)(1).
1976—
1966—Subsec. (b)(1).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1982 Amendment
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Amendment by
§6338. Certificate of sale; deed of real property
(a) Certificate of sale
In the case of property sold as provided in section 6335, the Secretary shall give to the purchaser a certificate of sale upon payment in full of the purchase price. In the case of real property, such certificate shall set forth the real property purchased, for whose taxes the same was sold, the name of the purchaser, and the price paid therefor.
(b) Deed to real property
In the case of any real property sold as provided in section 6335 and not redeemed in the manner and within the time provided in section 6337, the Secretary shall execute (in accordance with the laws of the State in which such real property is situated pertaining to sales of real property under execution) to the purchaser of such real property at such sale, upon his surrender of the certificate of sale, a deed of the real property so purchased by him, reciting the facts set forth in the certificate.
(c) Real property purchased by United States
If real property is declared purchased by the United States at a sale pursuant to section 6335, the Secretary shall at the proper time execute a deed therefor; and without delay cause such deed to be duly recorded in the proper registry of deeds.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1976—
1966—Subsec. (c).
1958—Subsec. (c).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1958 Amendment
Amendment by
§6339. Legal effect of certificate of sale of personal property and deed of real property
(a) Certificate of sale of property other than real property
In all cases of sale pursuant to section 6335 of property (other than real property), the certificate of such sale—
(1) As evidence
Shall be prima facie evidence of the right of the officer to make such sale, and conclusive evidence of the regularity of his proceedings in making the sale; and
(2) As conveyances
Shall transfer to the purchaser all right, title, and interest of the party delinquent in and to the property sold; and
(3) As authority for transfer of corporate stock
If such property consists of stocks, shall be notice, when received, to any corporation, company, or association of such transfer, and shall be authority to such corporation, company, or association to record the transfer on its books and records in the same manner as if the stocks were transferred or assigned by the party holding the same, in lieu of any original or prior certificate, which shall be void, whether canceled or not; and
(4) As receipts
If the subject of sale is securities or other evidences of debt, shall be a good and valid receipt to the person holding the same, as against any person holding or claiming to hold possession of such securities or other evidences of debt; and
(5) As authority for transfer of title to motor vehicle
If such property consists of a motor vehicle, shall be notice, when received, to any public official charged with the registration of title to motor vehicles, of such transfer and shall be authority to such official to record the transfer on his books and records in the same manner as if the certificate of title to such motor vehicle were transferred or assigned by the party holding the same, in lieu of any original or prior certificate, which shall be void, whether canceled or not.
(b) Deed of real property
In the case of the sale of real property pursuant to section 6335—
(1) Deed as evidence
The deed of sale given pursuant to section 6338 shall be prima facie evidence of the facts therein stated; and
(2) Deed as conveyance of title
If the proceedings of the Secretary as set forth have been substantially in accordance with the provisions of law, such deed shall be considered and operate as a conveyance of all the right, title, and interest the party delinquent had in and to the real property thus sold at the time the lien of the United States attached thereto.
(c) Effect of junior encumbrances
A certificate of sale of personal property given or a deed to real property executed pursuant to section 6338 shall discharge such property from all liens, encumbrances, and titles over which the lien of the United States with respect to which the levy was made had priority.
(d) Cross references
(1) For distribution of surplus proceeds, see section 6342(b).
(2) For judicial procedure with respect to surplus proceeds, see section 7426(a)(2).
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1976—Subsec. (b)(2).
1966—Subsecs. (c), (d).
1958—Subsec. (b)(2).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1958 Amendment
Amendment by
§6340. Records of sale
(a) Requirement
The Secretary shall, for each internal revenue district, keep a record of all sales of property under section 6335 and of redemptions of such property. The record shall set forth the tax for which any such sale was made, the dates of seizure and sale, the name of the party assessed and all proceedings in making such sale, the amount of expenses, the names of the purchasers, and the date of the deed or certificate of sale of personal property.
(b) Copy as evidence
A copy of such record, or any part thereof, certified by the Secretary shall be evidence in any court of the truth of the facts therein stated.
(c) Accounting to taxpayer
The taxpayer with respect to whose liability the sale was conducted or who redeemed the property shall be furnished—
(1) the record under subsection (a) (other than the names of the purchasers);
(2) the amount from such sale applied to the taxpayer's liability; and
(3) the remaining balance of such liability.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1998—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (c).
1976—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
§6341. Expense of levy and sale
The Secretary shall determine the expenses to be allowed in all cases of levy and sale.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1976—
§6342. Application of proceeds of levy
(a) Collection of liability
Any money realized by proceedings under this subchapter (whether by seizure, by surrender under section 6332 (except pursuant to subsection (d)(2) thereof), or by sale of seized property) or by sale of property redeemed by the United States (if the interest of the United States in such property was a lien arising under the provisions of this title) shall be applied as follows:
(1) Expense of levy and sale
First, against the expenses of the proceedings;
(2) Specific tax liability on seized property
If the property seized and sold is subject to a tax imposed by any internal revenue law which has not been paid, the amount remaining after applying paragraph (1) shall then be applied against such tax liability (and, if such tax was not previously assessed, it shall then be assessed);
(3) Liability of delinquent taxpayer
The amount, if any, remaining after applying paragraphs (1) and (2) shall then be applied against the liability in respect of which the levy was made or the sale was conducted.
(b) Surplus proceeds
Any surplus proceeds remaining after the application of subsection (a) shall, upon application and satisfactory proof in support thereof, be credited or refunded by the Secretary to the person or persons legally entitled thereto.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (a).
1976—
1966—Subsec. (a).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Amendment by
§6343. Authority to release levy and return property
(a) Release of levy and notice of release
(1) In general
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the Secretary shall release the levy upon all, or part of, the property or rights to property levied upon and shall promptly notify the person upon whom such levy was made (if any) that such levy has been released if—
(A) the liability for which such levy was made is satisfied or becomes unenforceable by reason of lapse of time,
(B) release of such levy will facilitate the collection of such liability,
(C) the taxpayer has entered into an agreement under section 6159 to satisfy such liability by means of installment payments, unless such agreement provides otherwise,
(D) the Secretary has determined that such levy is creating an economic hardship due to the financial condition of the taxpayer, or
(E) the fair market value of the property exceeds such liability and release of the levy on a part of such property could be made without hindering the collection of such liability.
For purposes of subparagraph (C), the Secretary is not required to release such levy if such release would jeopardize the secured creditor status of the Secretary.
(2) Expedited determination on certain business property
In the case of any tangible personal property essential in carrying on the trade or business of the taxpayer, the Secretary shall provide for an expedited determination under paragraph (1) if levy on such tangible personal property would prevent the taxpayer from carrying on such trade or business.
(3) Subsequent levy
The release of levy on any property under paragraph (1) shall not prevent any subsequent levy on such property.
(b) Return of property
If the Secretary determines that property has been wrongfully levied upon, it shall be lawful for the Secretary to return—
(1) the specific property levied upon,
(2) an amount of money equal to the amount of money levied upon, or
(3) an amount of money equal to the amount of money received by the United States from a sale of such property.
Property may be returned at any time. An amount equal to the amount of money levied upon or received from such sale may be returned at any time before the expiration of 2 years from the date of such levy. For purposes of paragraph (3), if property is declared purchased by the United States at a sale pursuant to section 6335(e) (relating to manner and conditions of sale), the United States shall be treated as having received an amount of money equal to the minimum price determined pursuant to such section or (if larger) the amount received by the United States from the resale of such property.
(c) Interest
Interest shall be allowed and paid at the overpayment rate established under section 6621—
(1) in a case described in subsection (b)(2), from the date the Secretary receives the money to a date (to be determined by the Secretary) preceding the date of return by not more than 30 days, or
(2) in a case described in subsection (b)(3), from the date of the sale of the property to a date (to be determined by the Secretary) preceding the date of return by not more than 30 days.
(d) Return of property in certain cases
If—
(1) any property has been levied upon, and
(2) the Secretary determines that—
(A) the levy on such property was premature or otherwise not in accordance with administrative procedures of the Secretary,
(B) the taxpayer has entered into an agreement under section 6159 to satisfy the tax liability for which the levy was imposed by means of installment payments, unless such agreement provides otherwise,
(C) the return of such property will facilitate the collection of the tax liability, or
(D) with the consent of the taxpayer or the National Taxpayer Advocate, the return of such property would be in the best interests of the taxpayer (as determined by the National Taxpayer Advocate) and the United States,
the provisions of subsection (b) shall apply in the same manner as if such property had been wrongly levied upon, except that no interest shall be allowed under subsection (c).
(e) Release of levy upon agreement that amount is not collectible
In the case of a levy on the salary or wages payable to or received by the taxpayer, upon agreement with the taxpayer that the tax is not collectible, the Secretary shall release such levy as soon as practicable.
(f) Individuals held harmless on wrongful levy, etc.1 on retirement plan
(1) In general
If the Secretary determines that an individual's account or benefit under an eligible retirement plan (as defined in section 402(c)(8)(B)) has been levied upon in a case to which subsection (b) or (d)(2)(A) applies and property or an amount of money is returned to the individual—
(A) the individual may contribute such property or an amount equal to the sum of—
(i) the amount of money so returned by the Secretary, and
(ii) interest paid under subsection (c) on such amount of money,
into such eligible retirement plan if such contribution is permitted by the plan, or into an individual retirement plan (other than an endowment contract) to which a rollover contribution of a distribution from such eligible retirement plan is permitted, but only if such contribution is made not later than the due date (not including extensions) for filing the return of tax for the taxable year in which such property or amount of money is returned, and
(B) the Secretary shall, at the time such property or amount of money is returned, notify such individual that a contribution described in subparagraph (A) may be made.
(2) Treatment as rollover
The distribution on account of the levy and any contribution under paragraph (1) with respect to the return of such distribution shall be treated for purposes of this title as if such distribution and contribution were described in section 402(c), 402A(c)(3), 403(a)(4), 403(b)(8), 408(d)(3), 408A(d)(3), or 457(e)(16), whichever is applicable; except that—
(A) the contribution shall be treated as having been made for the taxable year in which the distribution on account of the levy occurred, and the interest paid under subsection (c) shall be treated as earnings within the plan after the contribution and shall not be included in gross income, and
(B) such contribution shall not be taken into account under section 408(d)(3)(B).
(3) Refund, etc., of income tax on levy
(A) In general
If any amount is includible in gross income for a taxable year by reason of a distribution on account of a levy referred to in paragraph (1) and any portion of such amount is treated as a rollover contribution under paragraph (2), any tax imposed by
(B) Exception
Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a rollover contribution under this subsection which is made from an eligible retirement plan which is not a Roth IRA or a designated Roth account (within the meaning of section 402A) to a Roth IRA or a designated Roth account under an eligible retirement plan.
(4) Interest
Notwithstanding subsection (d), interest shall be allowed under subsection (c) in a case in which the Secretary makes a determination described in subsection (d)(2)(A) with respect to a levy upon an individual retirement plan.
(5) Treatment of inherited accounts
For purposes of paragraph (1)(A), section 408(d)(3)(C) shall be disregarded in determining whether an individual retirement plan is a plan to which a rollover contribution of a distribution from the plan levied upon is permitted.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (f).
2017—Subsec. (b).
1998—Subsec. (d)(2)(D).
Subsec. (e).
1996—Subsec. (d).
1988—Subsec. (a).
1986—Subsec. (c).
1979—Subsec. (c).
1976—
1966—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2018 Amendment
Effective Date of 2017 Amendment
"(1) levies made after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 2017], and
"(2) levies made on or before such date if the 9-month period has not expired under section 6343(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (without regard to this section) as of such date."
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
Amendment by section 1102 of
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1986 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1979 Amendment
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Amendment by
1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.
§6344. Cross references
(a) Length of period
For period within which levy may be begun in case of—
(1) Income, estate, and gift taxes, and taxes imposed by
(2) Employment and miscellaneous excise taxes, see section 6502(a).
(b) Delinquent collection officers
For distraint proceedings against delinquent internal revenue officers, see section 7804(c).
(c) Other references
For provisions relating to—
(1) Stamps, marks and brands, see section 6807.
(2) Administration of real estate acquired by the United States, see section 7506.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1998—Subsec. (b).
1988—Subsec. (a)(1).
1980—Subsec. (a)(1).
1976—Subsec. (a)(1).
1974—Subsec. (a)(1).
1969—Subsec. (a)(1).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1976 Amendment
Amendment by section 1307(d)(2)(F)(v) of
Effective Date of 1974 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1969 Amendment
Amendment by
[Subchapter E—Repealed]
[§§6361 to 6365. Repealed. Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11801(a)(45), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–522 ]
Section 6361, added
Section 6362, added
Section 6363, added
Section 6364, added
Section 6365, added
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Savings Provision
For provisions that nothing in repeal by