questions & answers

Question: the irs has taken approximately $40,000.00 from my social security checks over the past 6 years without ever notifying me as to why they are doing so. i thought i had a right to know why and where the money was going. i am now unable to work to survive and desperately need the full benefit to which i am entitled. do i not have a right to know what is going on with my money?

Answer:

Prior to IRS garnishment of benefits such as Social Security, taxpayers are entitled to full notice, which the IRS automatically sends via US mail.  When not received, this is often due to errors in the mailing address on file at the IRS.  Contact the IRS by phone or otherwise, to update your mailing information, for future notices and to request duplicate copies of notices regarding past withholdings.  When you learn the reasons for the garnishment, you will be in a better position to discuss the matter with the IRS, including when the garnishment will end, how to dispute it, etc.