26 U.S.C. § 6334
There shall be exempt from levy-
Such items of wearing apparel and such school books as are necessary for the taxpayer or for members of his family;
So much of the fuel, provisions, furniture, and personal effects in the taxpayer's household, and of the arms for personal use, livestock, and poultry of the taxpayer, as does not exceed $6,250 in value;
So many of the books and tools necessary for the trade, business, or profession of the taxpayer as do not exceed in the aggregate $3,125 in value.
Any amount payable to an individual with respect to his unemployment (including any portion thereof payable with respect to dependents) under an unemployment compensation law of the United States, of any State, or of the District of Columbia or of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Mail, addressed to any person, which has not been delivered to the addressee.
Annuity or pension payments under the Railroad Retirement Act, benefits under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, special pension payments received by a person whose name has been entered on the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard Medal of Honor roll (38 U.S.C. 1562), and annuities based on retired or retainer pay under chapter 73 of title 10 of the United States Code.
Any amount payable to an individual as workmen's compensation (including any portion thereof payable with respect to dependents) under a workmen's compensation law of the United States, any State, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
If the taxpayer is required by judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, entered prior to the date of levy, to contribute to the support of his minor children, so much of his salary, wages, or other income as is necessary to comply with such judgment.
Any amount payable to or received by an individual as wages or salary for personal services, or as income derived from other sources, during any period, to the extent that the total of such amounts payable to or received by him during such period does not exceed the applicable exempt amount determined under subsection (d).
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-
Any amount payable to an individual as a recipient of public assistance under-
Any amount payable to a participant under the Job Training Partnership Act ( 29 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) from funds appropriated pursuant to such Act.
If the amount of the levy does not exceed $5,000-
Except to the extent provided in subsection (e)-
The officer seizing property of the type described in subsection (a) shall appraise and set aside to the owner the amount of such property declared to be exempt. If the taxpayer objects at the time of the seizure to the valuation fixed by the officer making the seizure, the Secretary shall summon three disinterested individuals who shall make the valuation.
Notwithstanding any other law of the United States (including section 207 of the Social Security Act), no property or rights to property shall be exempt from levy other than the property specifically made exempt by subsection (a).
In the case of an individual who is paid or receives all of his wages, salary, and other income on a weekly basis, the amount of the wages, salary, and other income payable to or received by him during any week which is exempt from levy under subsection (a)(9) shall be the exempt amount.
For purposes of paragraph (1), the term "exempt amount" means an amount equal to-
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.
In the case of any individual not described in paragraph (1), the amount of the wages, salary, and other income payable to or received by him during any applicable pay period or other fiscal period (as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary) which is exempt from levy under subsection (a)(9) shall be an amount (determined under such regulations) which as nearly as possible will result in the same total exemption from levy for such individual over a period of time as he would have under paragraph (1) if (during such period of time) he were paid or received such wages, salary, and other income on a regular weekly basis.
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-
For purposes of subparagraph (A), the amount determined under this subparagraph is $4,150 multiplied by the number of the taxpayer's dependents for the taxable year in which the levy occurs.
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.
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 no dependents.
A principal residence shall not be exempt from levy if a judge or magistrate of a district court of the United States approves (in writing) the levy of such residence.
The district courts of the United States shall have exclusive jurisdiction to approve a levy under subparagraph (A).
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.
Any payment described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of section 6331(h)(2) shall not be exempt from levy if the Secretary approves the levy thereon under section 6331(h).
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-
If any dollar amount after being increased under paragraph (1) is not a multiple of $10, such dollar amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10.
26 U.S.C. § 6334
Inflation Adjusted Items for Certain Years For inflation adjustment of certain items in this section, see Revenue Procedures listed in a table under section 1 of this title.
EDITORIAL NOTES
REFERENCES IN TEXTThe 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, 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. (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, Oct. 13, 1982, 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, §199(b)(2), (c)(2)(B), Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1059, effective July 1, 2000. Pursuant to former section 2940(b) of Title 29, references to a provision of the Job Training Partnership Act, effective Aug. 7, 1998, were deemed to refer to that provision or the corresponding provision of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Pub. L. 105-220, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 936, and, effective July 1, 2000, 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, §511(a), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1705, effective July 1, 2015. 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, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1425, effective July 1, 2015. 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.
AMENDMENTS2018-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).
STATUTORY NOTES AND RELATED SUBSIDIARIES
CHANGE OF NAMEReference 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.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2017 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 11002(d)(1)(II) of Pub. L. 115-97 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, 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 Dec. 31, 2017, see section 11041(f)(1) of Pub. L. 115-97, set out as a note under section 151 of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1998 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 105-206, §3431(d), July 22, 1998, 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, §3445(d), July 22, 1998, 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]."
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1997 AMENDMENTS Amendment by section 312(d)(1) of Pub. L. 105-34 applicable to sales and exchanges after May 6, 1997, 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, §1025(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]."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.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1996 AMENDMENTS Amendment by section 110(l)(3) of Pub. L. 104-193 effective July 1, 1997, 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, §502(d), July 30, 1996, 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."
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1988 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 100-647, title I, §1015(o), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3572, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective with respect to levies made after Dec. 31, 1988.Amendment by section 6236(c) of Pub. L. 100-647 applicable to levies issued on or after July 1, 1989, see section 6236(h)(1) of Pub. L. 100-647, set out as a note under section 6331 of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1986 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 99-514, title XV, §1565(b), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2763, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to amounts payable after December 31, 1986."
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT 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.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1982 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 97-248, title III, §347(b), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 638, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to levies made after December 31, 1982."
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1976 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 94-455, title XII, §1209(e), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1711, as amended by Pub. L. 94-528, §2(c), Oct. 17, 1976, 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."
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1969 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 91-172, title IX, §945(b), Dec. 30, 1969, 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]."
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.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1965 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 89-44, title VIII, §812(b), June 21, 1965, 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]."
TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONSFor 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 November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.
STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE PERMITS Pub. L. 105-206, §3445(c), July 22, 1998, 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."
- Internal Revenue Code of 1986
- The term "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" means this title, and the term "Internal Revenue Code of 1939" means the Internal Revenue Code enacted February 10, 1939, as amended.
- Secretary
- The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate.
- State
- The term "State" shall be construed to include the District of Columbia, where such construction is necessary to carry out provisions of this title.
- levy
- The term "levy" includes the power of distraint and seizure by any means.
- person
- The term "person" shall be construed to mean and include an individual, a trust, estate, partnership, association, company or corporation.
- taxable year
- The term "taxable year" means the calendar year, or the fiscal year ending during such calendar year, upon the basis of which the taxable income is computed under subtitle A. "Taxable year" means, in the case of a return made for a fractional part of a year under the provisions of subtitle A or under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the period for which such return is made.
- taxpayer
- The term "taxpayer" means any person subject to any internal revenue tax.
- trade or business
- The term "trade or business" includes the performance of the functions of a public office.