Title 26 — Internal Revenue CodeRelease 119-73
§6334 Property exempt from levy
Title 26 › Subtitle Subtitle F— - Procedure and Administration › Chapter CHAPTER 64— - COLLECTION › Subchapter Subchapter D— - Seizure of Property for Collection of Taxes › Part PART II— - LEVY › § 6334
Summary
Protects certain things the IRS cannot take to pay a tax debt. Clothes and school books needed by the taxpayer or family are safe. Basic household items, fuel, furniture, personal effects, personal arms, livestock, and poultry are safe up to $6,250 in value. Books and tools needed for a job or trade are safe up to $3,125. Unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, most public assistance (like SSI and need‑based welfare), certain railroad and veterans’ pensions and annuities, and Job Training Partnership payments are protected. Undelivered mail is protected. If a court has already ordered the taxpayer to pay child support, the income needed to follow that order is protected. Wages and other income are protected up to an “exempt amount” (see next line). If the levy is $5,000 or less, the taxpayer’s home is protected; the law also protects the principal home and personal or business property used by the taxpayer except as described below. “Exempt amount” means the weekly share of the taxpayer’s standard deduction plus personal exemptions divided by 52. For people not paid weekly, the law uses a matching-period rule so the total protection over time is about the same. If the personal exemption amount under section 151(d) is zero, a different rule uses $4,150 per dependent (adjusted for cost‑of‑living after 2018). The officer who seizes property must appraise and set aside exempt items, and the taxpayer can object to the value; then three neutral people will value the items. Only the things listed here are exempt. Some other payments may lose their exemption if the Secretary approves a levy. Dollar limits in the law are adjusted for inflation after 1999 and rounded to the nearest $10.
Full Legal Text
Title 26, §6334
Internal Revenue Code — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)There shall be exempt from levy—
(1)Such items of wearing apparel and such school books as are necessary for the taxpayer or for members of his family;
(2)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;
(3)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.
(4)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.
(5)Mail, addressed to any person, which has not been delivered to the addressee.
(6)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.
(7)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.
(8)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.
(9)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).
(10)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—
(A)subchapter II, III, IV, V, or VI of chapter 11 of such title 38, or
(B)chapter 13, 21, 23, 31, 32, 34, 35, 37, or 39 of such title 38.
(11)Any amount payable to an individual as a recipient of public assistance under—
(A)title IV or title XVI (relating to supplemental security income for the aged, blind, and disabled) of the Social Security Act, or
(B)State or local government public assistance or public welfare programs for which eligibility is determined by a needs or income test.
(12)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.
(13)(A)If the amount of the levy does not exceed $5,000—
(i)any real property used as a residence by the taxpayer; or
(ii)any real property of the taxpayer (other than real property which is rented) used by any other individual as a residence.
(B)Except to the extent provided in subsection (e)—
(i)the principal residence of the taxpayer (within the meaning of section 121); and
(ii)tangible personal property or real property (other than real property which is rented) used in the trade or business of an individual taxpayer.
(b)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.
(c)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).
(d)(1)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.
(2)For purposes of paragraph (1), the term “exempt amount” means an amount equal to—
(A)the sum of—
(i)the standard deduction, and
(ii)the aggregate amount of the deductions for personal exemptions allowed the taxpayer under section 151 in the taxable year in which such levy occurs, divided by
(B)52.
(3)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.
(4)(A)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—
(i)the sum of the amount determined under subparagraph (B) and the standard deduction, divided by
(ii)52.
(B)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.
(C)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—
(i)such dollar amount, multiplied by
(ii)the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting “2017” for “2016” in subparagraph (A)(ii) thereof.
(D)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.
(e)(1)(A)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.
(B)The district courts of the United States shall have exclusive jurisdiction to approve a levy under subparagraph (A).
(2)Property (other than a principal residence) described in subsection (a)(13)(B) shall not be exempt from levy if—
(A)a district director or assistant district director of the Internal Revenue Service personally approves (in writing) the levy of such property; or
(B)the Secretary finds that the collection of tax is in jeopardy.
(f)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).
(g)(1)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—
(A)such dollar amount, multiplied by
(B)the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for such calendar year, by substituting “calendar year 1998” for “calendar year 2016” in subparagraph (A)(ii) thereof.
(2)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.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Inflation Adjusted Items for Certain YearsFor 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 Text
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, 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, title I, § 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, title V, § 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.
Amendments
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).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
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.
Effective Date
of 2017 AmendmentAmendment 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, title III, § 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, title III, § 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, title X, § 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, title V, § 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 AmendmentAmendment 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 section 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 AmendmentAmendment 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 Functions
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 section 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, title III, § 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.”
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
26 U.S.C. § 6334
Title 26 — Internal Revenue Code
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73