If you are in debt, the Alabama Department of Revenue may want to place an attachment on your bank account. A bank attachment is a type of garnishment that the Alabama government can use to collect your debt on their terms. To stop a bank attachment filed by the Alabama Department of Revenue, you may want to consider the following steps:
- Contact the Alabama Department of Revenue: Contact the department to determine the reason for the bank attachment and to discuss options for resolving the issue. You may be able to negotiate a payment plan or settlement to avoid the attachment.
- Request a Hearing: You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the bank attachment. You must request the hearing within 20 days of the date the notice of the attachment was sent. The hearing will allow you to present evidence and argue against the attachment.
- Seek Legal Help: Consider consulting with a tax attorney who can review your case and provide advice on your legal options. An attorney can also represent you at the hearing and negotiate with the Alabama Department of Revenue on your behalf.
- Pay the Debt: If you are unable to negotiate a settlement or win the hearing, you may need to pay the debt in full to have the bank attachment lifted.
Can Filing for Bankruptcy Prevent a Bank Attachment?
Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be utilized in many cases to stop bank attachments and wage garnishments, and then provide a way to pay off the debt through a court-supervised plan. Tax debt can sometimes be paid off for a fraction of what is owed. This is a complex legal issue that should be reviewed by an attorney experienced in bankruptcy cases and tax matters.
In some cases, a Chapter 7 case filing can enable the debtor to discharge all or part of a state or federal tax debt. Again, this is a complicated legal issue that should be reviewed by an attorney experienced with bankruptcy cases and tax matters. It's important to act quickly if you want to stop a bank attachment. If the attachment is successful, the Alabama Department of Revenue can seize funds from your bank account to satisfy the debt.
Worried about a potential bank attachment? Let Ryan Legal Services, Inc. help – call (251) 241-5234 today to request a consultation!