26 U.S.C. § 6334
(a) Enumeration There shall be exempt from levy—
(10) Certain service-connected disability payments Any amount payable to an individual as a service-connected (within the meaning of section 101(16) of title 38, United States Code) disability benefit under—
(11) Certain public assistance payments Any amount payable to an individual as a recipient of public assistance under—
(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—
(B) Principal residences and certain business assets Except to the extent provided in subsection (e)—
(d) Exempt amount of wages, salary, or other income
(2) Exempt amount For purposes of paragraph (1), the term “exempt amount” means an amount equal to—
(A) the sum of—
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.
(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—
(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—
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.
(e) Levy allowed on principal residences and certain business assets in certain circumstances
(1) Principal residences
(2) Certain business assets Property (other than a principal residence) described in subsection (a)(13)(B) shall not be exempt from levy if—
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.
(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—
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 784; Pub. L. 85–840, title IV, § 406, , 72 Stat. 1047; Pub. L. 89–44, title VIII, § 812(a), , 79 Stat. 170; Pub. L. 89–719, title I, § 104(c), , 80 Stat. 1137; Pub. L. 91–172, title IX, § 945(a), , 83 Stat. 729; Pub. L. 94–455, title XII, § 1209(a)–(c), title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), , 90 Stat. 1709, 1710, 1834; Pub. L. 97–248, title III, § 347(a), , 96 Stat. 638; Pub. L. 98–369, div. B, title VI, § 2661(o)(5), , 98 Stat. 1159; Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, § 1565(a), , 100 Stat. 2763; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, § 1015(o), title VI, § 6236(c), , 102 Stat. 3572, 3738; Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(2), , 105 Stat. 406; Pub. L. 104–168, title V, § 502(a)–(c), , 110 Stat. 1461; Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 110(l)(3), formerly § 110(l)(6), , 110 Stat. 2173, renumbered and amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, § 5514(a)(2), (3), , 111 Stat. 620; Pub. L. 105–34, title III, § 312(d)(1), title X, § 1025(a), , 111 Stat. 839, 924; Pub. L. 105–206, title III, §§ 3431(a)–(c), 3445(a), (b), , 112 Stat. 758, 762, 763; Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §§ 11002(d)(1)(II), 11041(d), , 131 Stat. 2060, 2084; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, § 401(a)(283), , 132 Stat. 1198.)
For inflation adjustment of certain items in this section, see Revenue Procedures listed in a table under section 1 of this title.
The Railroad Retirement Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(6), is act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, as amended generally by Pub. L. 93–445, title I, § 101, , 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. (a)(6), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 680, 52 Stat. 1094, which is classified principally to chapter 11 (§ 351 et seq.) of Title 45. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 367 of Title 45 and Tables.
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(11)(A) and (c), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Titles IV and XVI of the Social Security Act are classified generally to subchapters IV (§ 601 et seq.) and XVI (§ 1381 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Section 207 of the Social Security Act is classified to section 407 of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
The Job Training Partnership Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(12), is Pub. L. 97–300, , 96 Stat. 1322, which was classified generally to chapter 19 (§ 1501 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor, and was repealed by Pub. L. 105–220, title I, § 199(b)(2), (c)(2)(B), , 112 Stat. 1059, effective . Pursuant to former section 2940(b) of Title 29, references to a provision of the Job Training Partnership Act, effective , were deemed to refer to that provision or the corresponding provision of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Pub. L. 105–220, , 112 Stat. 936, and, effective , were deemed to refer to the corresponding provision of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 was repealed by Pub. L. 113–128, title V, § 511(a), , 128 Stat. 1705, effective . Pursuant to section 3361(a) of Title 29, references to a provision of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 are deemed to refer to the corresponding provision of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Pub. L. 113–128, , 128 Stat. 1425, effective . For complete classification of the Job Training Partnership Act and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to the Code, see Tables. For complete classification of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of Title 29 and Tables.
2018—Subsec. (a)(10)(A). Pub. L. 115–141 substituted “V, or VI” for “V,, or VI”.
2017—Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 115–97, § 11041(d), added par. (4).
Subsec. (g)(1)(B). Pub. L. 115–97, § 11002(d)(1)(II), substituted “for ‘calendar year 2016’ in subparagraph (A)(ii)” for “for ‘calendar year 1992’ in subparagraph (B)”.
1998—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 105–206, § 3431(a), substituted “$6,250” for “$2,500”.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 105–206, § 3431(b), substituted “$3,125” for “$1,250”.
Subsec. (a)(13). Pub. L. 105–206, § 3445(a), amended heading and text of par. (13) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Except to the extent provided in subsection (e), the principal residence of the taxpayer (within the meaning of section 121).”
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–206, § 3445(b), amended heading and text of subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Property described in subsection (a)(13) shall not be exempt from levy if—
“(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). Pub. L. 105–206, § 3431(c)(1), substituted “1999” for “1997” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (g)(1)(B). Pub. L. 105–206, § 3431(c)(2), substituted “1998” for “1996”.
1997—Subsec. (a)(11)(A). Pub. L. 105–33, § 5514(a)(3), made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 104–193, § 110(l)(3). See 1996 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (a)(13). Pub. L. 105–34, § 312(d)(1), substituted “section 121” for “section 1034”.
Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 105–34 added subsec. (f) and redesignated former subsec. (f) as (g).
1996—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 104–168, § 502(a), substituted “So” for “If the taxpayer is the head of a family, so”, “the taxpayer’s household” for “his household”, and “$2,500” for “$1,650 ($1,550 in the case of levies issued during 1989)”.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 104–168, § 502(b), substituted “$1,250” for “$1,100 ($1,050 in the case of levies issued during 1989)”.
Subsec. (a)(11)(A). Pub. L. 104–193, § 110(l)(3), formerly § 110(l)(6), as renumbered and amended by Pub. L. 105–33, struck out “(relating to aid to families with dependent children)” after “title IV”.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 104–168, § 502(c), added subsec. (f).
1991—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “1562” for “562”.
1988—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 100–647, § 6236(c)(1), substituted “$1,650 ($1,550 in the case of levies issued during 1989)” for “$1,500”.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 100–647, § 6236(c)(2), substituted “$1,100 ($1,050 in the case of levies issued during 1989)” for “$1,000”.
Subsec. (a)(10)(A). Pub. L. 100–647, § 1015(o)(1), substituted “III, IV, V,” for “IV” and added “or” at end.
Subsec. (a)(10)(B), (C). Pub. L. 100–647, § 1015(o)(2), (3), redesignated subpar. (C) as (B) and substituted “13, 21, 23” for “21”, and struck out former subpar. (B), which read as follows: “subchapter I, II, or III of chapter 19 of such title 38, or”.
Subsec. (a)(11) to (13). Pub. L. 100–647, § 6236(c)(4)(A), added pars. (11) to (13).
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 100–647, § 6236(c)(3)(A), amended par. (1) generally, striking out after introductory provisions the following definition of exempt amount:
“(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). Pub. L. 100–647, § 6236(c)(3)(B), added par. (2) and redesignated former par. (2) as (3).
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–647, § 6236(c)(4)(B), added subsec. (e).
1986—Subsec. (a)(10). Pub. L. 99–514 added par. (10).
1984—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–369 inserted “(including section 207 of the Social Security Act)”.
1982—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 97–248, § 347(a)(1), substituted “$1,500” for “$500”.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 97–248, § 347(a)(2), substituted “$1,000” for “$250”.
Subsec. (d)(1)(A). Pub. L. 97–248, § 347(a)(3)(A), substituted “$75” for “$50”.
Subsec. (d)(1)(B). Pub. L. 97–248, § 347(a)(3)(B), substituted “$25” for “$15”.
1976—Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1209(c), substituted “Judgments for support of minor children” for “Salary, wages, or other income” in heading.
Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1209(a), added par. (9).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1906(b)(13)(A), struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1209(b), added subsec. (d).
1969—Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 91–172 added par. (8).
1966—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 89–719, § 104(c)(1), struck out “or Territory” after “of any State”.
Subsec. (a)(6), (7). Pub. L. 89–719, § 104(c)(2), added pars. (6) and (7).
1965—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 89–44 added par. (5).
1958—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 85–840 added par. (4).
Reference to United States magistrate or to magistrate deemed to refer to United States magistrate judge pursuant to section 321 of Pub. L. 101–650, set out as a note under section 631 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.
Amendment by section 11002(d)(1)(II) of Pub. L. 115–97 applicable to taxable years beginning after , see section 11002(e) of Pub. L. 115–97, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.
Amendment by section 11041(d) of Pub. L. 115–97 applicable to taxable years beginning after , see section 11041(f)(1) of Pub. L. 115–97, set out as a note under section 151 of this title.
Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3431(d), , 112 Stat. 758, provided that:
“The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect with respect to levies issued after the date of the enactment of this Act [
July 22, 1998].”
Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3445(d), , 112 Stat. 763, 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].”
Amendment by section 312(d)(1) of Pub. L. 105–34 applicable to sales and exchanges after , with certain exceptions, see section 312(d) of Pub. L. 105–34, set out as a note under section 121 of this title.
Pub. L. 105–34, title X, § 1025(b), , 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].”
Amendment by Pub. L. 105–33 effective as if included in section 110 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104–193, at the time such section 110 became law, see section 5518(c) of Pub. L. 105–33, set out as a note under section 51 of this title.
Amendment by section 110(l)(3) of Pub. L. 104–193 effective , with transition rules relating to State options to accelerate such date, rules relating to claims, actions, and proceedings commenced before such date, rules relating to closing out of accounts for terminated or substantially modified programs and continuance in office of Assistant Secretary for Family Support, and provisions relating to termination of entitlement under AFDC program, see section 116 of Pub. L. 104–193, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 601 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
Pub. L. 104–168, title V, § 502(d), , 110 Stat. 1461, provided that:
“The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect with respect to levies issued after
December 31, 1996.”
Pub. L. 100–647, title I, § 1015(o), , 102 Stat. 3572, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective with respect to levies made after .
Amendment by section 6236(c) of Pub. L. 100–647 applicable to levies issued on or after , see section 6236(h)(1) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 6331 of this title.
Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, § 1565(b), , 100 Stat. 2763, provided that:
“The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to amounts payable after
December 31, 1986.”
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective as though included in the enactment of the Social Security Amendments of 1983, Pub. L. 98–21, see section 2664(a) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
Pub. L. 97–248, title III, § 347(b), , 96 Stat. 638, provided that:
“The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to levies made after
December 31, 1982.”
Pub. L. 94–455, title XII, § 1209(e), , 90 Stat. 1711, as amended by Pub. L. 94–528, § 2(c), , 90 Stat. 2483, provided that:
“The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 6331 and 6332 of this title] shall apply only with respect to levies made after
February 28, 1977.”
Pub. L. 91–172, title IX, § 945(b), , 83 Stat. 729, provided that:
“The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to levies made 30 days or more after the date of the enactment of this Act [
Dec. 30, 1969].”
Amendment by Pub. L. 89–719 applicable after , 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.
Pub. L. 89–44, title VIII, § 812(b), , 79 Stat. 170, provided that:
“The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [
June 21, 1965].”
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 sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of , as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.
Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3445(c), , 112 Stat. 763, provided that:
- “(1) In general.— With respect to permits issued by a State and required under State law for the harvest of fish or wildlife in the trade or business of an individual taxpayer, the term ‘other assets’ as used in section 6334(e)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall include future income which may be derived by such taxpayer from the commercial sale of fish or wildlife under such permit.
- “(2) Construction.— Paragraph (1) shall not be construed to invalidate or in any way prejudice any assertion that the privilege embodied in permits described in paragraph (1) is not property or a right to property under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.”