26 USC 6343 - Authority to release levy and return property

Collapse to view only § 6343. Authority to release levy and return property

§ 6331. Levy and distraint
§ 6332. Surrender of property subject to levy
§ 6333. Production of books
§ 6334. Property exempt from levy
§ 6335. Sale of seized property
§ 6336. Sale of perishable goods
§ 6337. Redemption of property
§ 6338. Certificate of sale; deed of real property
§ 6339. Legal effect of certificate of sale of personal property and deed of real property
§ 6340. Records of sale
§ 6341. Expense of levy and sale
§ 6342. Application of proceeds of levy
§ 6343. Authority to release levy and return property
§ 6344. Cross references

§ 6331. Levy and distraint

(a) Authority of Secretary

(b) Seizure and sale of property

(d) Requirement of notice before levy

(1) In general

(2) 30-day requirement

The notice required under paragraph (1) shall be—

(A) given in person,

(B) left at the dwelling or usual place of business of such person, or

no less than 30 days before the day of the levy.

(3) Jeopardy

(4) Information included with notice

The notice required under paragraph (1) shall include a brief statement which sets forth in simple and nontechnical terms—

(A) the provisions of this title relating to levy and sale of property,

(B) the procedures applicable to the levy and sale of property under this title,

(C) the administrative appeals available to the taxpayer with respect to such levy and sale and the procedures relating to such appeals,

(D) the alternatives available to taxpayers which could prevent levy on the property (including installment agreements under section 6159),

(E) the provisions of this title relating to redemption of property and release of liens on property,

(F) the procedures applicable to the redemption of property and the release of a lien on property under this title, and

(G) the provisions of section 7345 relating to the certification of seriously delinquent tax debts and the denial, revocation, or limitation of passports of individuals with such debts pursuant to section 32101 of the FAST Act.

(e) Continuing levy on salary and wages

(f) Uneconomical levy

(g) Levy on appearance date of summons

(1) In general

(2) No application in case of jeopardy

(h) Continuing levy on certain payments

(1) In general

(2) Specified payment

For the purposes of paragraph (1), the term “specified payment” means—

(A) any Federal payment other than a payment for which eligibility is based on the income or assets (or both) of a payee,

(B) any payment described in paragraph (4), (7), (9), or (11) of section 6334(a), and

(C) any annuity or pension payment under the Railroad Retirement Act or benefit under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act.

(3) Increase in levy for certain payments

(i) No levy during pendency of proceedings for refund of divisible tax

(1) In general

No levy may be made under subsection (a) on the property or rights to property of any person with respect to any unpaid divisible tax during the pendency of any proceeding brought by such person in a proper Federal trial court for the recovery of any portion of such divisible tax which was paid by such person if—

(A) the decision in such proceeding would be res judicata with respect to such unpaid tax; or

(B) such person would be collaterally estopped from contesting such unpaid tax by reason of such proceeding.

(2) Divisible tax

For purposes of paragraph (1), the term “divisible tax” means—

(A) any tax imposed by subtitle C; and

(B) the penalty imposed by section 6672 with respect to any such tax.

(3) Exceptions

(A) Certain unpaid taxes

This subsection shall not apply with respect to any unpaid tax if—

(i) the taxpayer files a written notice with the Secretary which waives the restriction imposed by this subsection on levy with respect to such tax; or

(ii) the Secretary finds that the collection of such tax is in jeopardy.

(B) Certain levies

This subsection shall not apply to—

(i) any levy to carry out an offset under section 6402; and

(ii) any levy which was first made before the date that the applicable proceeding under this subsection commenced.

(4) Limitation on collection activity; authority to enjoin collection

(A) Limitation on collection

No proceeding in court for the collection of any unpaid tax to which paragraph (1) applies shall be begun by the Secretary during the pendency of a proceeding under such paragraph. This subparagraph shall not apply to—

(i) any counterclaim in a proceeding under such paragraph; or

(ii) any proceeding relating to a proceeding under such paragraph.

(B) Authority to enjoin

(5) Suspension of statute of limitations on collection

(6) Pendency of proceeding

(j) No levy before investigation of status of property

(1) In general

(2) Elements in investigation

For purposes of paragraph (1), an investigation of the status of any property shall include—

(A) a verification of the taxpayer’s liability;

(B) the completion of an analysis under subsection (f);

(C) the determination that the equity in such property is sufficient to yield net proceeds from the sale of such property to apply to such liability; and

(D) a thorough consideration of alternative collection methods.

(k) No levy while certain offers pending or installment agreement pending or in effect

(1) Offer-in-compromise pending

No levy may be made under subsection (a) on the property or rights to property of any person with respect to any unpaid tax—

(A) during the period that an offer-in-compromise by such person under section 7122 of such unpaid tax is pending with the Secretary; and

(B) if such offer is rejected by the Secretary, during the 30 days thereafter (and, if an appeal of such rejection is filed within such 30 days, during the period that such appeal is pending).

For purposes of subparagraph (A), an offer is pending beginning on the date the Secretary accepts such offer for processing.

(2) Installment agreements

No levy may be made under subsection (a) on the property or rights to property of any person with respect to any unpaid tax—

(A) during the period that an offer by such person for an installment agreement under section 6159 for payment of such unpaid tax is pending with the Secretary;

(B) if such offer is rejected by the Secretary, during the 30 days thereafter (and, if an appeal of such rejection is filed within such 30 days, during the period that such appeal is pending);

(D) if such agreement is terminated by the Secretary, during the 30 days thereafter (and, if an appeal of such termination is filed within such 30 days, during the period that such appeal is pending).

(3) Certain rules to apply

Rules similar to the rules of—

(A) paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (i), and

(B) except in the case of paragraph (2)(C), paragraph (5) of subsection (i),

shall apply for purposes of this subsection.

(l) Cross references

(1) For provisions relating to jeopardy, see subchapter A of chapter 70.

(2) For proceedings applicable to sale of seized property see section 6335.

(3) For release and notice of release of levy, see section 6343.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 783; Pub. L. 89–719, title I, § 104(a), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1135; Pub. L. 92–178, title II, § 211(a), Dec. 10, 1971, 85 Stat. 520; Pub. L. 94–455, title XII, § 1209(d)(1), (2), (4), title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1710, 1711, 1834; Pub. L. 97–248, title III, § 349(a), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 639; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title VII, § 714(o), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 964; Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, § 6236(a), (b), (d), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3737, 3739; Pub. L. 105–34, title X, § 1024(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 923; Pub. L. 105–206, title III, §§ 3433(a), 3444(a), 3462(b), title VI, § 6010(f), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 759, 762, 765, 814; Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title III, § 313(b)(3)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–642; Pub. L. 107–147, title IV, § 416(e)(1), Mar. 9, 2002, 116 Stat. 55; Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, § 887(a), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1641; Pub. L. 112–56, title III, § 301(a), Nov. 21, 2011, 125 Stat. 733; Pub. L. 113–295, div. B, title II, § 209(a), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4074; Pub. L. 114–10, title IV, § 413(a), Apr. 16, 2015, 129 Stat. 162; Pub. L. 114–94, div. C, title XXXII, § 32101(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1731.)

§ 6332. Surrender of property subject to levy

(a) Requirement

(b) Special rule for life insurance and endowment contracts

(1) In general

(2) Satisfaction of levy

(3) Enforcement proceedings

(d) Enforcement of levy

(1) Extent of personal liability

(2) Penalty for violation

(e) Effect of honoring levy

(f) Person defined

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 784; Pub. L. 89–719, title I, § 104(b), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1135; Pub. L. 93–625, § 7(a)(2)(D), Jan. 3, 1975, 88 Stat. 2115; Pub. L. 94–455, title XII, § 1209(d)(3), title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1710, 1834; Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, § 1511(c)(9), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2745; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, § 1015(t)(1), title VI, § 6236(e), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3573, 3739; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, § 11704(a)(27), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–519.)

§ 6333. Production of books

If a levy has been made or is about to be made on any property, or right to property, any person having custody or control of any books or records, containing evidence or statements relating to the property or right to property subject to levy, shall, upon demand of the Secretary, exhibit such books or records to the Secretary.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 784; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

§ 6334. Property exempt from levy

(a) EnumerationThere shall be exempt from levy—

(1) Wearing apparel and school books

(2) Fuel, provisions, furniture, and personal effects

(3) Books and tools of a trade, business, or profession

(4) Unemployment benefits

(5) Undelivered mail

(6) Certain annuity and pension payments

(7) Workmen’s compensation

(8) Judgments for support of minor children

(9) Minimum exemption for wages, salary, and other income

(10) Certain service-connected disability paymentsAny 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) Certain public assistance paymentsAny 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) Assistance under Job Training Partnership Act

(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 casesIf 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) Principal residences and certain business assetsExcept 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) Appraisal

(d) Exempt amount of wages, salary, or other income

(1) Individuals on weekly basis

(2) Exempt amountFor 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.

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.

(3) Individuals on basis other than weekly

(4) Years when personal exemption amount is zero

(A) In generalIn 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) Amount determined

(C) Inflation adjustmentIn 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.

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.

(D) Verified statement

(e) Levy allowed on principal residences and certain business assets in certain circumstances

(1) Principal residences

(A) Approval required

(B) Jurisdiction

(2) Certain business assetsProperty (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.

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.

(f) Levy allowed on certain specified payments

(g) Inflation adjustment

(1) In generalIn 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) Rounding

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 784; Pub. L. 85–840, title IV, § 406, Aug. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 1047; Pub. L. 89–44, title VIII, § 812(a), June 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 170; Pub. L. 89–719, title I, § 104(c), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1137; Pub. L. 91–172, title IX, § 945(a), Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 729; Pub. L. 94–455, title XII, § 1209(a)–(c), title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1709, 1710, 1834; Pub. L. 97–248, title III, § 347(a), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 638; Pub. L. 98–369, div. B, title VI, § 2661(o)(5), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1159; Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, § 1565(a), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2763; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, § 1015(o), title VI, § 6236(c), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3572, 3738; Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(2), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 406; Pub. L. 104–168, title V, § 502(a)–(c), July 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 1461; Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 110(l)(3), formerly § 110(l)(6), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2173, renumbered and amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, § 5514(a)(2), (3), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 620; Pub. L. 105–34, title III, § 312(d)(1), title X, § 1025(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 839, 924; Pub. L. 105–206, title III, §§ 3431(a)–(c), 3445(a), (b), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 758, 762, 763; Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §§ 11002(d)(1)(II), 11041(d), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2060, 2084; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, § 401(a)(283), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1198.)

§ 6335. Sale of seized property

(a) Notice of seizure

(b) Notice of sale

(d) Time and place of sale

(e) Manner and conditions of sale

(1) In general

(A) Determinations relating to minimum priceBefore the sale of property seized by levy, the Secretary shall determine—

(i) a minimum price below which such property shall not be sold (taking into account the expense of making the levy and conducting the sale), and

(ii) whether, on the basis of criteria prescribed by the Secretary, the purchase of such property by the United States at such minimum price would be in the best interest of the United States.

(B) Sale to highest bidder at or above minimum price

(D) Release to owner in other cases

(2) Additional rules applicable to saleThe Secretary shall by regulations prescribe the manner and other conditions of the sale of property seized by levy. If one or more alternative methods or conditions are permitted by regulations, the Secretary shall select the alternatives applicable to the sale. Such regulations shall provide:

(A) That the sale shall not be conducted in any manner other than—

(i) by public auction, or

(ii) by public sale under sealed bids.

(B) In the case of the seizure of several items of property, whether such items shall be offered separately, in groups, or in the aggregate; and whether such property shall be offered both separately (or in groups) and in the aggregate, and sold under whichever method produces the highest aggregate amount.

(C) Whether the announcement of the minimum price determined by the Secretary may be delayed until the receipt of the highest bid.

(D) Whether payment in full shall be required at the time of acceptance of a bid, or whether a part of such payment may be deferred for such period (not to exceed 1 month) as may be determined by the Secretary to be appropriate.

(E) The extent to which methods (including advertising) in addition to those prescribed in subsection (b) may be used in giving notice of the sale.

(F) Under what circumstances the Secretary may adjourn the sale from time to time (but such adjournments shall not be for a period to exceed in all 1 month).

(3) Payment of amount bid

(4) Cross reference

(f) Right to request sale of seized property within 60 days

(g) Stay of sale of seized property pending Tax Court decision

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 785; Pub. L. 89–719, title I, § 104(d), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1137; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, § 1570(a), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2764; Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, § 6236(g), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3740; Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3441(a), (b), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 761.)

§ 6336. Sale of perishable goods

If the Secretary determines that any property seized is liable to perish, he shall appraise the value of such property and—

(1) Return to owner

If the owner of the property can be readily found, the Secretary shall give him notice of such determination of the appraised value of the property. The property shall be returned to the owner if, within such time as may be specified in the notice, the owner—

(A) Pays to the Secretary an amount equal to the appraised value, or

(B) Gives bond in such form, with such sureties, and in such amount as the Secretary shall prescribe, to pay the appraised amount at such time as the Secretary determines to be appropriate in the circumstances.

(2) Immediate sale

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 786; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 116–25, title I, § 1404(a), July 1, 2019, 133 Stat. 997.)

§ 6337. Redemption of property

(a) Before sale

(b) Redemption of real estate after sale

(1) Period

(2) Price

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 787; Pub. L. 89–719, title I, § 104(e), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1137; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 97–248, title III, § 349A(a), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 639.)

§ 6338. Certificate of sale; deed of real property

(a) Certificate of sale

(b) Deed to real property

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 787; Pub. L. 85–866, title I, § 78, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1662; Pub. L. 89–719, title I, § 104(f), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1137; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

§ 6339. Legal effect of certificate of sale of personal property and deed of real property

(a) Certificate of sale of property other than real property

In all cases of sale pursuant to section 6335 of property (other than real property), the certificate of such sale—

(1) As evidence

(2) As conveyances

(3) As authority for transfer of corporate stock

(4) As receipts

(5) As authority for transfer of title to motor vehicle

(b) Deed of real property

In the case of the sale of real property pursuant to section 6335—

(1) Deed as evidence

(2) Deed as conveyance of title

(d) Cross references

(1) For distribution of surplus proceeds, see section 6342(b).

(2) For judicial procedure with respect to surplus proceeds, see section 7426(a)(2).

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 788; Pub. L. 85–866, title I, § 79, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1662; Pub. L. 89–719, title I, § 104(g), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1137; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

§ 6340. Records of sale

(a) Requirement

(b) Copy as evidence

The taxpayer with respect to whose liability the sale was conducted or who redeemed the property shall be furnished—

(1) the record under subsection (a) (other than the names of the purchasers);

(2) the amount from such sale applied to the taxpayer’s liability; and

(3) the remaining balance of such liability.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 789; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3442(a), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 761.)

§ 6341. Expense of levy and sale

The Secretary shall determine the expenses to be allowed in all cases of levy and sale.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 789; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

§ 6342. Application of proceeds of levy

(a) Collection of liability

Any money realized by proceedings under this subchapter (whether by seizure, by surrender under section 6332 (except pursuant to subsection (d)(2) thereof), or by sale of seized property) or by sale of property redeemed by the United States (if the interest of the United States in such property was a lien arising under the provisions of this title) shall be applied as follows:

(1) Expense of levy and sale

(2) Specific tax liability on seized property

(3) Liability of delinquent taxpayer

(b) Surplus proceeds

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 789; Pub. L. 89–719, title I, § 104(h), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1137; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, § 401(a)(284), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1198.)

§ 6343. Authority to release levy and return property

(a) Release of levy and notice of release

(1) In generalUnder regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the Secretary shall release the levy upon all, or part of, the property or rights to property levied upon and shall promptly notify the person upon whom such levy was made (if any) that such levy has been released if—

(A) the liability for which such levy was made is satisfied or becomes unenforceable by reason of lapse of time,

(B) release of such levy will facilitate the collection of such liability,

(C) the taxpayer has entered into an agreement under section 6159 to satisfy such liability by means of installment payments, unless such agreement provides otherwise,

(D) the Secretary has determined that such levy is creating an economic hardship due to the financial condition of the taxpayer, or

(E) the fair market value of the property exceeds such liability and release of the levy on a part of such property could be made without hindering the collection of such liability.

For purposes of subparagraph (C), the Secretary is not required to release such levy if such release would jeopardize the secured creditor status of the Secretary.

(2) Expedited determination on certain business property

(3) Subsequent levy

(b) Return of propertyIf the Secretary determines that property has been wrongfully levied upon, it shall be lawful for the Secretary to return—

(1) the specific property levied upon,

(2) an amount of money equal to the amount of money levied upon, or

(3) an amount of money equal to the amount of money received by the United States from a sale of such property.

Property may be returned at any time. An amount equal to the amount of money levied upon or received from such sale may be returned at any time before the expiration of 2 years from the date of such levy. For purposes of paragraph (3), if property is declared purchased by the United States at a sale pursuant to section 6335(e) (relating to manner and conditions of sale), the United States shall be treated as having received an amount of money equal to the minimum price determined pursuant to such section or (if larger) the amount received by the United States from the resale of such property.

(1) in a case described in subsection (b)(2), from the date the Secretary receives the money to a date (to be determined by the Secretary) preceding the date of return by not more than 30 days, or

(2) in a case described in subsection (b)(3), from the date of the sale of the property to a date (to be determined by the Secretary) preceding the date of return by not more than 30 days.

(d) Return of property in certain casesIf—

(1) any property has been levied upon, and

(2) the Secretary determines that—

(A) the levy on such property was premature or otherwise not in accordance with administrative procedures of the Secretary,

(B) the taxpayer has entered into an agreement under section 6159 to satisfy the tax liability for which the levy was imposed by means of installment payments, unless such agreement provides otherwise,

(D) with the consent of the taxpayer or the National Taxpayer Advocate, the return of such property would be in the best interests of the taxpayer (as determined by the National Taxpayer Advocate) and the United States,

the provisions of subsection (b) shall apply in the same manner as if such property had been wrongly levied upon, except that no interest shall be allowed under subsection (c).

(e) Release of levy upon agreement that amount is not collectible

(f) Individuals held harmless on wrongful levy, etc.1

1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.

on retirement plan

(1) In generalIf the Secretary determines that an individual’s account or benefit under an eligible retirement plan (as defined in section 402(c)(8)(B)) has been levied upon in a case to which subsection (b) or (d)(2)(A) applies and property or an amount of money is returned to the individual—

(A) the individual may contribute such property or an amount equal to the sum of—

(i) the amount of money so returned by the Secretary, and

(ii) interest paid under subsection (c) on such amount of money,

into such eligible retirement plan if such contribution is permitted by the plan, or into an individual retirement plan (other than an endowment contract) to which a rollover contribution of a distribution from such eligible retirement plan is permitted, but only if such contribution is made not later than the due date (not including extensions) for filing the return of tax for the taxable year in which such property or amount of money is returned, and

(B) the Secretary shall, at the time such property or amount of money is returned, notify such individual that a contribution described in subparagraph (A) may be made.

(2) Treatment as rolloverThe distribution on account of the levy and any contribution under paragraph (1) with respect to the return of such distribution shall be treated for purposes of this title as if such distribution and contribution were described in section 402(c), 402A(c)(3), 403(a)(4), 403(b)(8), 408(d)(3), 408A(d)(3), or 457(e)(16), whichever is applicable; except that—

(A) the contribution shall be treated as having been made for the taxable year in which the distribution on account of the levy occurred, and the interest paid under subsection (c) shall be treated as earnings within the plan after the contribution and shall not be included in gross income, and

(B) such contribution shall not be taken into account under section 408(d)(3)(B).

(3) Refund, etc., of income tax on levy

(A) In general

(B) Exception

(4) Interest

(5) Treatment of inherited accounts

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 789; Pub. L. 89–719, title I, § 104(i), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1138; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 96–167, § 4(a), Dec. 29, 1979, 93 Stat. 1275; Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, § 1511(c)(10), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2745; Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, § 6236(f), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3740; Pub. L. 104–168, title V, § 501(b), July 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 1460; Pub. L. 105–206, title I, § 1102(d)(1)(B), title III, § 3432(a), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 704, 759; Pub. L. 115–97, title I, § 11071(a), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2091; Pub. L. 115–123, div. D, title II, § 41104(a), Feb. 9, 2018, 132 Stat. 155.)

§ 6344. Cross references

(a) Length of period

For period within which levy may be begun in case of—

(1) Income, estate, and gift taxes, and taxes imposed by chapter 41, 42, 43, or 44, see sections 6502(a) and 6503(a)(1).

(2) Employment and miscellaneous excise taxes, see section 6502(a).

(b) Delinquent collection officers

For provisions relating to—

(1) Stamps, marks and brands, see section 6807.

(2) Administration of real estate acquired by the United States, see section 7506.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 789; Pub. L. 91–172, title I, § 101(j)(45), Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 531;