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Internal Revenue Code · 26 U.S.C.

§ 6331. Levy and distraint

In force Text current through Public Law 119-121 (October 9, 2026) release point 119-121

Official text, no changes From the Office of the Law Revision Counsel, release point 119-121 (current through Public Law 119-121 (October 9, 2026)). Compare it with the official text at uscode.house.gov (external site).

Cite as 26 U.S.C. § 6331

At a glance

Read from the text, the source credit and the official notes. Not part of the law.

Status
In force
Enacted
November 2, 1966 by Pub. L. 89–719
Last amended
December 4, 2015 by Pub. L. 114–94
Amendments
14 dated changes in the source credit
Length
12 subsections · 2,142 words · about 9 min to read
Defines
2 terms
Cross-references
cites 10; cited by 14 Code sections and 16 other regulations
Regulations
4 issued under this section
(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 chapter 70.
(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, 68A Stat. 783; Pub. L. 89–719, title I, § 104(a), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1135; Pub. L. 92–178, title II, § 211(a), Dec. 10, 1971, 85 Stat. 520; Pub. L. 94–455, title XII, § 1209(d)(1), (2), (4), title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1710, 1711, 1834; Pub. L. 97–248, title III, § 349(a), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 639; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title VII, § 714(o), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 964; Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, § 6236(a), (b), (d), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3737, 3739; Pub. L. 105–34, title X, § 1024(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 923; Pub. L. 105–206, title III, §§ 3433(a), 3444(a), 3462(b), title VI, § 6010(f), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 759, 762, 765, 814; Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title III, § 313(b)(3)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–642; Pub. L. 107–147, title IV, § 416(e)(1), Mar. 9, 2002, 116 Stat. 55; Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, § 887(a), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1641; Pub. L. 112–56, title III, § 301(a), Nov. 21, 2011, 125 Stat. 733; Pub. L. 113–295, div. B, title II, § 209(a), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4074; Pub. L. 114–10, title IV, § 413(a), Apr. 16, 2015, 129 Stat. 162; Pub. L. 114–94, div. C, title XXXII, § 32101(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1731.)

Terms defined here

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Regulations under this section

Treasury regulations (26 CFR) issued under § 6331

From Carry Forward Learning, not part of the law

Our pages that use this section

IRS notice guides

Cross-references

Computed from the citations in the text of Title 26 and 26 CFR.

This section cites 10 other sections

Cited by 14 Code sections

Cited in 16 regulations not issued under it

Amendment history

From the source credit and the official notes, newest first.

  1. Amended by Pub. L. 114–94Parts changed in 2015: (d)(4)(G) (h)(3)
  2. Amended by Pub. L. 114–10
  3. Amended by Pub. L. 113–295Parts changed in 2014: (h)(3)
  4. Amended by Pub. L. 112–56Parts changed in 2011: (h)(3)
  5. Amended by Pub. L. 108–357Parts changed in 2004: (h)(3)
  6. Amended by Pub. L. 107–147Parts changed in 2002: (k)(3)
  7. Amended by Pub. L. 106–554Parts changed in 2000: (k)(3)
  8. Amended by Pub. L. 105–206Parts changed in 1998: (h)(1) (i) (j) (k) (l)
  9. Amended by Pub. L. 105–34Parts changed in 1997: (h)
  10. Amended by Pub. L. 100–647Parts changed in 1988: (d)(2) (d)(4) (e) (f) (h)
  11. Amended by Pub. L. 98–369Parts changed in 1984: (b)
  12. Amended by Pub. L. 97–248Parts changed in 1982: (d) (e) (f)
  13. Amended by Pub. L. 94–455Parts changed in 1976: (a) (b) (c) (d)(1) (d)(2) (d)(3)
  14. Amended by Pub. L. 92–178Parts changed in 1971: (d)
  15. Enacted by Pub. L. 89–719Parts changed in 1966: (b)

Where it sits in the Code

  1. Subtitle F Procedure and Administration
  2. Chapter 64 COLLECTION
  3. Subchapter D Seizure of Property for Collection of Taxes
  4. Part II LEVY

Nearby sections

Official notes

Show the Law Revision Counsel's notes (amendments, effective dates)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 32101 of the FAST Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(4)(G), is section 32101 of Pub. L. 114–94, which enacted section 7345 of this title and section 2714a of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, and amended this section and sections 6103, 6320, and 7508 of this title.

The Railroad Retirement Act, referred to in subsec. (h)(2)(C), is act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, as amended generally by Pub. L. 93–445, title I, § 101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1305, known as the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974, which is classified generally to subchapter IV (§ 231 et seq.) of chapter 9 of Title 45, Railroads. For further details and complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Codification note set out preceding section 231 of Title 45, section 231t of Title 45, and Tables.

The Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, referred to in subsec. (h)(2)(C), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 680, 52 Stat. 1094, which is classified principally to chapter 11 (§ 351 et seq.) of Title 45, Railroads. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 367 of Title 45 and Tables.

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (h)(3), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Title XVIII of the Act is classified generally to subchapter XVIII (§ 1395 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Amendments

2015—Subsec. (d)(4)(G). Pub. L. 114–94 added subpar. (G).

Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 114–10 substituted “and by substituting ‘100 percent’ ” for “and by substituting ‘30 percent’ ”.

2014—Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 113–295 inserted “and by substituting ‘30 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” before period at end.

2011—Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 112–56 substituted “property, goods, or services” for “goods or services”.

2004—Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 108–357 added par. (3).

2002—Subsec. (k)(3). Pub. L. 107–147 reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Rules similar to the rules of paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (i) shall apply for purposes of this subsection.”

2000—Subsec. (k)(3). Pub. L. 106–554 substituted “(3) and (4)” for “(3), (4), and (5)”.

1998—Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 105–206, § 6010(f), substituted “If the Secretary approves a levy under this subsection, the effect of such levy” for “The effect of a levy”.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 105–206, § 3433(a), added subsec. (i). Former subsec. (i) redesignated (j).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 105–206, § 3444(a), added subsec. (j). Former subsec. (j) redesignated (k).

Pub. L. 105–206, § 3433(a), redesignated subsec. (i) as (j).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 105–206, § 3462(b), added subsec. (k). Former subsec. (k) redesignated (l).

Pub. L. 105–206, § 3444(a), redesignated subsec. (j) as (k).

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 105–206, § 3462(b), redesignated subsec. (k) as (l).

1997—Subsecs. (h), (i). Pub. L. 105–34 added subsec. (h) and redesignated former subsec. (h) as (i).

1988—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 100–647, § 6236(a)(1), (2), substituted “30-day” for “10-day” in heading and “30 days” for “10 days” in text.

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 100–647, § 6236(a)(3), added par. (4).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–647, § 6236(b)(1), amended subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (e) consisted of two pars. relating to effect of continuing levy on salary and wages and release and notice of release of levy.

Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 100–647, § 6236(d), added subsecs. (f) and (g). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (h).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 100–647, § 6236(b)(2), (d), redesignated subsec. (f) as (h) and added par. (3).

1984—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–369 substituted “subsection (e)” for “subsection (d)(3)”.

1982—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–248 inserted authority to levy upon property other than salary or wages, substituted “person” for “individual” wherever appearing, designated second sentence of former par. (1) as par. (2) and in par. (2)(C) as so designated substituted “certified or registered mail” for “mail”, and redesignated former par. (2) as (3) and former par. (3) as subsec. (e).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 97–248 redesignated former subsec. (d)(3) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97–248 redesignated former subsec. (e) as (f).

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1906(b)(13)(A), struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary” wherever appearing.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–455, §§ 1209(d)(2), 1906(b)(13)(A), substituted in second sentence “Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d)(3), a levy” for “A levy” and struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary”.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1906(b)(13)(A), struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary”.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 94–455, §§ 1209(d)(4), 1906(b)(13)(A), struck out provision that no additional notice shall be required in the case of successive levies with respect to such tax and “or his delegate” after “Secretary”.

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1906(b)(13)(A), struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary”.

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1209(d)(1), added par. (3).

1971—Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 92–178 added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e).

1966—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–719 inserted sentence providing that a levy shall extend only to property possessed and obligations existing at the time thereof.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–10, title IV, § 413(b), Apr. 16, 2015, 129 Stat. 162, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to payments made after 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 16, 2015].”

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–295, div. B, title II, § 209(b), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4074, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to payments made after 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 19, 2014].”

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–56, title III, § 301(b), Nov. 21, 2011, 125 Stat. 733, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to levies issued after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 21, 2011].”

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, § 887(b), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1642, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 22, 2004].”

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–147, title IV, § 416(e)(2), Mar. 9, 2002, 116 Stat. 55, provided that: “The amendment made by this subsection [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 9, 2002].”

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3433(b), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 760, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to unpaid tax attributable to taxable periods beginning after December 31, 1998.”

Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3444(b), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 762, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [July 22, 1998].”

Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3462(e), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 766, provided that:

“(1) In general.— The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 6159 and 7122 of this title] shall apply to proposed offers-in-compromise and installment agreements submitted after the date of the enactment of this Act [July 22, 1998].
“(2) Suspension of collection by levy.— The amendment made by subsection (b) [amending this section] shall apply to offers-in-compromise pending on or made after December 31, 1999.”

Amendment by section 6010(f) of Pub. L. 105–206 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provisions of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, Pub. L. 105–34, to which such amendment relates, see section 6024 of Pub. L. 105–206, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–34, title X, § 1024(b), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 924, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to levies issued after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 5, 1997].”

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, § 6236(h), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3740, provided that:

“(1) In general.— The amendments made by this section (other than subsection (g)) [amending this section and sections 6332, 6334, and 6343 of this title] shall apply to levies issued on or after July 1, 1989.
“(2) Subsection (g).— The amendment made by subsection (g) [amending section 6335 of this title] shall apply to requests made on or after January 1, 1989.”

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective as if included in the provision of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, to which such amendment relates, see section 715 of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 31 of this title.

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–248, title III, § 349(b), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 639, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to levies made after December 31, 1982.”

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by section 1209(d)(1), (2), (4) of Pub. L. 94–455 effective only with respect to levies made after Feb. 28, 1977, see section 1209(e) of Pub. L. 94–455 as amended by section 2(c) of Pub. L. 94–528, Oct. 17, 1976, 90 Stat. 2483, set out as a note under section 6334 of this title.

Effective Date of 1971 Amendment

Pub. L. 92–178, title II, § 211(b), Dec. 10, 1971, 85 Stat. 520, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to levies made after March 31, 1972.”

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 89–719 applicable after Nov. 2, 1966, regardless of when title or lien of United States arose or when lien or interest of another person was acquired, with certain exceptions, see section 114(a)–(c) of Pub. L. 89–719, set out as a note under section 6323 of this title.