IRS Form 668-A: Bank Account Levy
IRS Form 668-A is the Notice of Levy the IRS sends to your bank to freeze and seize the funds in your account. The bank MUST freeze your account upon receipt and hold the funds for 21 days before sending them to the IRS. This is not a warning — it is the actual seizure instrument.
The 21-Day Bank Levy Process
DAY 1 — LEVY SERVED: The IRS sends Form 668-A to your bank. The bank MUST freeze the funds in your account immediately — up to the amount you owed on the day the levy was received. Funds deposited AFTER the levy date are generally not subject to that levy.
DAY 1-21 — HOLD PERIOD: Your funds are frozen for 21 calendar days. During this window, you can negotiate with the IRS to release the levy. The IRS can release the levy at any time during this period if you enter into a resolution.
DAY 22 — FUNDS TRANSFERRED: On the 22nd day, the bank sends the frozen funds to the IRS. Once the money transfers, getting it back is exponentially harder — you must prove the levy was erroneous or caused an economic hardship.
WHAT'S FROZEN: Checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and safe deposit box contents are all subject to levy. Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA) are also subject to levy, though the IRS generally levies retirement accounts only as a last resort.
668-A Levy vs. 668-W Wage Levy — What's Different
Form 668-A (Bank / Property)
One-time seizure of funds on deposit or specific property. The bank freezes what you have on levy day. 21-day hold then funds transfer. Does NOT affect future deposits.
Form 668-W (Wages)
Continuous levy on every paycheck until released. Your employer withholds from every pay period. No 21-day window — it starts immediately and runs indefinitely.
Property Subject to 668-A
Bank accounts, accounts receivable, commissions, rental income paid to you, the cash value of life insurance, and personal property (vehicles, equipment, jewelry, art).
Property Exempt From Levy
Unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, certain disability payments, child support received, a minimum exempt amount from wages (calculated separately), and certain service-connected military disability benefits.