Will sending money through Cash App get caught in my IRS tax Levy?
I'm in a really desperate situation right now and need cash immediately. The IRS put a tax levy on my bank account last month after I ignored some notices (stupid, I know). I'm completely broke and can barely afford groceries. My brother offered to send me around $600 through Cash App to help me out until I get my next paycheck, but I'm terrified that if I transfer it to my bank account, the IRS will just take that money too because of the levy. Does anyone know if Cash App transfers would get caught in a tax levy if I move the money to my bank? Is there any way I can actually use this money without the IRS grabbing it? I'm trying to work out a payment plan with them but it's taking forever and I literally have no money for basic needs right now.
30 comments


Astrid Bergström
The tax levy gives the IRS legal authority to take money directly from your bank account to satisfy your tax debt. Unfortunately, any funds deposited into your levied bank account - including Cash App transfers - become subject to the levy. The bank is legally required to hold those funds for 21 days before sending them to the IRS. Your best options right now are: 1) Keep the money in Cash App instead of transferring to your bank account 2) Have your brother give you cash directly if possible 3) Set up a different bank account (though be aware the IRS can issue new levies) 4) Expedite your payment plan setup by calling the IRS directly The levy should release once you've established a payment plan, but that doesn't help your immediate needs. If you're facing financial hardship, mention this specifically when talking to the IRS - they may be able to release the levy while you work out a plan.
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PixelPrincess
•Thanks for the info! So if I keep the money in Cash App and just use the Cash App card to buy groceries and stuff, would that work? Or can the IRS somehow levy Cash App accounts too?
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Astrid Bergström
•Keeping the money in Cash App and using their card for purchases is generally safer than transferring to your levied bank account. The IRS typically issues levies to specific financial institutions they know about, not payment apps. However, Cash App isn't completely immune - the IRS could theoretically issue a levy to them too if they know you have an account there. Using the Cash App card for immediate necessities is a reasonable temporary solution while you resolve the issue with the IRS. Focus on setting up that payment plan as quickly as possible - that's your best path to getting the levy released.
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Omar Farouk
I went through something similar last year when the IRS put a levy on my account over a $4500 tax bill. I couldn't even buy gas to get to work! I was stuck in this horrible cycle where I needed to earn money to pay them, but couldn't access my money to get to work. After days of frustration, I found taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which helped me understand my rights and options with the levy. Their system analyzed my specific situation and showed me how to properly request a hardship consideration, which I didn't know was possible. They guided me through exactly what to say to get the levy released due to economic hardship while I set up my payment plan. Honestly, I wish I'd known about this tool from the beginning - would have saved weeks of stress!
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Chloe Martin
•How exactly does taxr.ai work? Does it just give advice or do they actually contact the IRS for you? I'm dealing with a similar issue but I'm skeptical of tax services because I've been burned before.
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Diego Fernández
•I'm curious too. If the IRS already has a levy on accounts, isn't it too late for services like this to help? And how much did it cost you?
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Omar Farouk
•It's not a service that contacts the IRS for you - it's a tool that analyzes your specific tax situation and gives you personalized guidance. You upload your relevant documents and it uses AI to identify your options based on tax law and IRS procedures. In my case, it showed me exactly what qualifies as economic hardship and gave me the specific form and language to use to request a levy release. It's definitely not too late once a levy is already in place - that's precisely when I used it. The system helped me understand that the IRS is actually required to release a levy if it's creating an immediate economic hardship that prevents you from meeting basic living expenses. The detailed guidance made all the difference when I called the IRS.
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Chloe Martin
I just want to follow up about my experience with taxr.ai that was mentioned earlier. I was super skeptical but decided to try it since I was desperate with my own levy situation. The tool actually helped me understand exactly what qualifies as hardship under IRS rules - turns out I qualified for immediate levy release because I couldn't pay for my medication and rent. It walked me through preparing a financial statement showing my hardship and gave me the exact IRS language to use. I called the IRS with this information prepared and they released my levy within 48 hours! I still have to pay my tax debt, but now I can do it through a manageable payment plan while still being able to pay for necessities. Honestly surprised it worked so well.
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Anastasia Kuznetsov
When I had a tax levy last year, I spent WEEKS trying to get through to someone at the IRS who could help. Always busy signals or being on hold for hours only to get disconnected. Super frustrating when you're already stressed about money. I finally found this service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual IRS agent in less than 15 minutes. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The IRS agent I spoke with was actually really helpful - they temporarily released my levy once I explained my situation and helped set up a payment plan I could afford. Just talking to a human who could actually DO something made all the difference. The levy was lifted from my account within 3 days after that call.
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Sean Fitzgerald
•Wait, how does this actually work? The IRS phone lines are notorious for being impossible to get through. How does Claimyr magically get you to the front of the line? Sounds too good to be true.
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Zara Khan
•I'm calling BS on this. No way some random service can bypass the IRS phone system. They probably just keep calling repeatedly like anyone could do. Complete waste of money when you're already dealing with tax problems.
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Anastasia Kuznetsov
•It uses a callback system that monitors the IRS phone lines and connects you when there's an opening. It's not magic - it's basically like having someone continuously dial for you until they get through, then they call you and connect you directly to the IRS agent. It saves you from having to sit on hold for hours or repeatedly call back. The reason it works better than doing it yourself is their system can make hundreds of call attempts simultaneously across different IRS numbers to find the shortest wait times. When I used it, I went from spending 3+ hours on hold each time I tried calling myself to getting through in about 15 minutes. The time saved was absolutely worth it when I was panicking about my bank account being frozen.
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Zara Khan
I need to eat my words about Claimyr. After my skeptical comment, I was desperate enough to try anything since my rent was due and my account was levied. I used their service yesterday afternoon and got connected to an IRS agent in about 20 minutes. The agent reviewed my case and determined I qualified for Currently Not Collectible status due to my financial situation. They released the levy immediately while we work out a long-term solution. My bank confirmed this morning the levy has been removed. I still have the tax debt, but at least I can pay my rent now. I've been trying to reach the IRS for THREE WEEKS on my own with no success. Definitely wasn't expecting it to actually work, but I'm relieved it did.
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MoonlightSonata
Former bank employee here - one thing nobody's mentioned is that you should talk to your bank directly. Sometimes banks will release a small portion of levied funds for extreme hardship even with an IRS levy in place. It's at their discretion, but I've seen it happen. Just be honest about your situation (need for medication, food, risk of eviction, etc). Also, the IRS isn't supposed to leave you completely destitute. They're required by law to leave you enough for basic living expenses. If the levy has taken literally everything, you can request an immediate hardship release by calling them and explaining your situation. Document everything and be persistent!
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Ravi Patel
•Thank you so much for this advice! I didn't even think about talking directly to my bank. Would I just call customer service or do I need to go in person to explain my situation? Also, when you say "document everything" what kind of documentation should I prepare?
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MoonlightSonata
•I'd recommend going in person to a branch if possible - it's much harder to dismiss someone facing real hardship when they're standing right in front of you. Ask to speak with a manager or account specialist who handles levies, not just a regular teller. For documentation, gather evidence of your immediate needs: upcoming rent/mortgage statement, utility bills that are due, prescriptions that need filling, proof of dependents if you have any, and a simple budget showing your income vs. essential expenses. The more specific you can be about exactly why you need access to X amount right now, the better your chances. Some banks might release a small amount (like $500) for immediate needs while the levy is being addressed.
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Mateo Gonzalez
Has anyone considered Western Union or MoneyGram as options? When I had an IRS levy last year, my sister sent me money through Western Union and I just picked it up in cash. Since it never touched my bank account, the IRS couldn't take it. Just another option if you need money immediately without risking the levy.
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Nia Williams
•This is actually smart. Any cash-based system where the money doesn't go through your bank should work. You could also try having your brother load money onto a prepaid debit card for you instead of using Cash App. Just make sure it's not connected to your levied account in any way.
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Kelsey Hawkins
I'm going through something similar right now and wanted to share what I learned from calling the IRS taxpayer advocate service. If you're facing immediate hardship (can't pay for food, medicine, housing), you can request an expedited hardship review. The key is emphasizing that the levy is preventing you from meeting basic living expenses. When I called, I explained exactly how much I needed for groceries, rent, and utilities, and they were able to partially release my levy within 72 hours while keeping a payment plan in place for the remaining debt. The taxpayer advocate number is 1-877-777-4778 and they're specifically there to help when normal IRS processes aren't working. Also, regarding your Cash App question - keeping the money there and using their debit card is definitely safer than transferring to your levied account. The IRS would need to specifically target Cash App with a separate levy, which is less likely if they don't know about that account.
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Sofia Hernandez
•This is really helpful information about the taxpayer advocate service! I didn't know they could do expedited hardship reviews. For someone new to dealing with IRS issues, when you called that number, did you need to have specific documentation ready, or could you just explain your situation verbally? Also, how long did the partial release take to actually show up in your bank account after they approved it? I'm trying to figure out if this could help someone get access to funds quickly enough for immediate needs like groceries and rent.
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Declan Ramirez
•When I called the taxpayer advocate, I didn't need formal documentation ready - they asked me to verbally explain my monthly income, essential expenses (rent, utilities, food, medication), and how the levy was preventing me from meeting those needs. They had me estimate dollar amounts for each category right on the phone. The partial release showed up in my account exactly 3 business days after they approved it, which was faster than I expected. In my case, they released enough to cover about 2 weeks of basic expenses while keeping the rest frozen until my payment plan was finalized. One tip: when you call, be very specific about your immediate needs. Instead of saying "I can't afford groceries," say something like "I have $12 left and need $150 for food this week." The more concrete you can be about exact dollar amounts and timing, the better they can help you.
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Tate Jensen
I've been through this exact situation and it's absolutely terrifying when you can't access your own money. Here's what worked for me: 1. **Keep the Cash App money in Cash App** - Don't transfer it to your bank. Use the Cash App card for purchases instead. The IRS levy is specific to your bank account, not payment apps. 2. **Call the IRS hardship line immediately** - Tell them you can't afford basic necessities. They're legally required to leave you enough for food, shelter, and transportation. I got a partial release within 48 hours by being very specific about my needs. 3. **Consider getting a new bank account** at a different institution while you work out the payment plan. The IRS will need to issue a new levy to that bank, which buys you time. 4. **Document everything** - Keep records of all calls, reference numbers, and what you're told. The IRS system is slow but they do have procedures for exactly this situation. The most important thing is don't panic. Yes, it's scary, but there are legal protections that prevent them from leaving you completely destitute. Focus on getting that payment plan set up ASAP and use alternative methods (Cash App card, cash from family, etc.) for immediate needs. You'll get through this!
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Maxwell St. Laurent
•This is really comprehensive advice, thank you! I'm in a similar situation and feeling overwhelmed by all the options. Quick question about getting a new bank account - won't the IRS just find that account eventually and levy it too? I'm wondering if it's worth the hassle of opening a new account if they're just going to freeze that one as well once they discover it. Also, when you called the hardship line, did you use the regular IRS number or is there a specific number for hardship cases?
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Santiago Martinez
•You're right to be concerned about new accounts eventually being discovered, but it typically takes the IRS months to track down new bank accounts unless they're at the same institution. It's more of a temporary solution to give you breathing room while you get the payment plan sorted out. Once you have an approved payment plan, they should release all the levies anyway. For the hardship line, I used the main IRS number (1-800-829-1040) and told them I needed to speak to someone about levy hardship release. They transferred me to the right department. The taxpayer advocate number that was mentioned earlier (1-877-777-4778) is also great if the regular line isn't helpful - they're specifically trained to handle situations where normal processes aren't working. The key thing is being persistent and specific about your immediate needs. Don't just say you're having financial problems - tell them exactly how much you need for rent, food, utilities, etc. and when those bills are due.
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Aurora St.Pierre
I'm sorry you're going through this stressful situation. Based on what others have shared here, keeping the money in Cash App and using their debit card seems like your safest bet right now. The IRS levy is specific to your bank account, so funds that never touch that account should be protected. A few additional thoughts from someone who's dealt with IRS issues: **Immediate relief options:** - Use the Cash App card directly for groceries and necessities - Ask your brother to send smaller amounts over time rather than one large transfer to reduce risk - Consider having family members pay bills directly on your behalf instead of sending money **Longer-term solutions:** - Call the IRS hardship line and be very specific about your inability to afford food and basic needs - Mention any medications you need, upcoming rent/utilities due dates, etc. - The taxpayer advocate service (1-877-777-4778) can expedite hardship reviews **Important:** The IRS is legally required to leave you enough for basic living expenses. If the levy has taken everything, you have grounds for an immediate hardship release. Document your essential monthly expenses and be prepared to explain exactly how much you need and why. Don't let them intimidate you - there are protections in place for situations exactly like yours. Focus on getting that payment plan established and use these workarounds for immediate needs. You'll get through this!
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Alejandro Castro
•This is such thorough and reassuring advice! I'm dealing with a similar situation and was panicking about how to even buy groceries. The idea of having family pay bills directly is brilliant - I hadn't thought of that option. One quick question though - when you mention asking family to send smaller amounts over time instead of one large transfer, is that just to be more cautious, or is there an actual dollar threshold that might trigger additional IRS attention? I'm wondering if there's a safer amount to receive at once versus breaking it up into smaller payments. Also, thank you for emphasizing that there are legal protections. It's easy to feel completely helpless when dealing with the IRS, but knowing there are actual requirements for them to leave basic living expenses makes this feel more manageable.
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Connor O'Reilly
•The smaller amounts suggestion is more about being cautious than any specific threshold. While there's no magic number that triggers IRS attention, keeping transfers under $1000 at a time just reduces the visibility if they ever do look into your financial activity. It's really more about peace of mind than a hard rule. The direct bill payment idea is definitely underutilized - your family can pay your landlord, utility companies, or even grocery stores directly without money ever flowing through your accounts. Many people don't realize that Walmart, Target, and most grocery chains accept third-party payments over the phone if you provide your family member's card information. You're absolutely right that there are legal protections, and it's important to know your rights. The IRS Collection Standards actually specify minimum amounts they must leave you for housing, food, transportation, and medical expenses. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself - you have more power in this situation than it might feel like right now.
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StarStrider
I feel for your situation - having a tax levy is incredibly stressful, especially when you can't afford basic necessities. Based on the excellent advice already shared here, keeping that $600 in Cash App and using their debit card is definitely your safest option right now. The IRS levy is specific to your bank account, so money that stays in payment apps like Cash App should be protected. Here's what I'd prioritize if I were in your shoes: **Immediate needs:** Use the Cash App card directly for groceries, gas, and other essentials. Don't transfer any of it to your levied bank account. **Call the IRS ASAP:** Even though you're working on a payment plan, call their hardship line (1-800-829-1040) and explain that you literally cannot afford food and basic living expenses due to the levy. Be specific - tell them exactly how much you need for groceries this week, when your rent is due, etc. They are legally required to leave you enough for basic survival. **Document everything:** Keep track of all your essential monthly expenses (rent, utilities, food, transportation, medications) with actual dollar amounts. This will help when you speak with the IRS about hardship relief. The taxpayer advocate service (1-877-777-4778) mentioned by others can also expedite hardship reviews if the regular IRS line isn't helpful. Don't give up - there are protections in place for exactly this type of situation, and you have rights even with an active levy. Stay strong, and remember this is temporary. Once you get that payment plan established, the levy should be released and you can get back to normal banking.
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Anita George
•This is really solid advice! I'm new to dealing with tax issues and was wondering - when you call the IRS hardship line and explain your situation, do they typically ask for any verification of your expenses, or do they take your word for it initially? I'm in a similar situation and want to be prepared for the call. Also, how long does it usually take for them to process a hardship release once you've made the request? I'm trying to figure out if this could help me get access to funds quickly enough for rent that's due next week.
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Adrian Hughes
•When I called the IRS hardship line for my levy situation, they initially took my word for the basic expense amounts but did ask me to be specific about dollar figures. They wanted to know my monthly rent amount, typical grocery costs, utility bills, etc. They didn't require documentation during the initial call, but they did tell me I might need to provide proof later if they decided to do a more detailed review. For processing time, I was pleasantly surprised - they processed my hardship request within 48 hours and I saw the partial release in my account on the third business day. Since your rent is due next week, I'd definitely call as soon as possible. When you call, be very direct about the timing - tell them "my rent of $X is due on [specific date] and I currently have no access to funds due to the levy." The urgency seems to help prioritize these requests. Also, make sure to get a reference number for your hardship request so you can follow up if needed. The IRS agents have been more helpful than I expected once I explained the immediate hardship situation clearly.
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