Calculator inputs
Use recurring mode for wage garnishment-style levies. Use one-time mode for asset seizure-style levies.
Example data table
Sample scenarios showing how changing rates and protections can change outcomes.
| Scenario | Mode | Debt | Rate | Base | Periods | Estimated net applied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Recurring | $15,000 | 25% | $1,850 / period | 6 | $2,775.00 |
| Higher protection | Recurring | $15,000 | 25% | $1,350 / period | 6 | $2,025.00 |
| Asset seizure | One-time | $15,000 | 30% | $10,000 total | 1 | $3,000.00 |
Formula used
- Leviable base (recurring): max(0, income_per_period − exemptions_per_period − protected_per_period)
- Levy per period: leviable_base_per_period × (levy_rate ÷ 100)
- Gross collected: levy_per_period × number_of_periods
- Net applied: max(0, gross_collected − admin_fee)
- Remaining balance: max(0, tax_debt − net_applied)
- Interest estimate: remaining × (annual_interest ÷ 100) × (days ÷ 365)
- Penalty estimate: remaining × (annual_penalty ÷ 100) × (days ÷ 365)
How to use this calculator
- Choose recurring for wage levy or one-time for asset levy.
- Enter your tax debt and an estimated levy rate.
- Fill in either the recurring section or the asset section.
- Set interest, penalties, and duration if you want accrual estimates.
- Click Estimate levy to see results above the form.
- Use the download buttons to export your latest estimate.
FAQs
1) What does this estimator calculate?
It estimates how much may be collected through a levy and how much debt could remain. It also approximates interest and penalties on the remaining balance using simple daily accrual assumptions.
2) Is a levy rate always a fixed percentage?
Not always. Rates and rules can differ by jurisdiction and levy type. Some wage levies follow exemption tables or tiered rules rather than a single percentage.
3) What are exemptions and protected amounts?
They represent amounts expected to be excluded from collection. Examples can include minimum living allowances, protected benefits, or property exemptions. Use values that match your situation and local guidance.
4) Why does the tool ask for duration in months?
Duration is used only to estimate interest and penalties on the remaining balance. If you set months to zero in recurring mode, the calculator estimates months from pay frequency and period count.
5) What does “cap collections to the debt” mean?
When enabled, collections cannot exceed the stated debt. This is handy if you are modeling payoff timing and do not want estimates that assume collecting beyond the target balance.
6) Does this replace professional or legal advice?
No. It is a planning tool. Actual collections can change due to statutory limits, notices, appeals, payment plans, releases, partial payments, and different interest or penalty computations.
7) Can I use this for bank levies too?
Yes, as a rough estimate. Use one-time mode for a bank or asset-style seizure. Enter the funds at risk as the asset value, then apply your assumed exemptions and protected amounts.
8) How accurate are interest and penalty estimates?
They are simplified. The calculator applies annual rates to the remaining balance over an approximate day count. Real systems may compound differently, apply rates that change, or calculate penalties with separate rules.