Yes, the IRS can take a portion of your Social Security benefits to pay back taxes. They do this through the Federal Payment Levy Program (FPLP), and it works differently than a wage garnishment.

How much they can take: The IRS can levy up to 15% of your monthly Social Security benefit. This applies to retirement benefits, disability benefits (SSDI), and survivor benefits. The 15% limit is set by law and applies regardless of how much you owe.

For example, if your monthly Social Security check is $1,800, the IRS could take $270 per month, leaving you with $1,530. This continues every month until your tax debt is paid in full, you set up an alternative payment arrangement, or the 10-year collection statute expires.

SSI is protected: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cannot be levied by the IRS. SSI is a need-based program for people with very limited income and resources, and it's exempt from federal tax levies. If your only income is SSI, the IRS cannot take any of it.

There is no minimum amount protected. Unlike wage garnishments, which must leave you with a certain amount of exempt income, the FPLP levy on Social Security doesn't have to leave you any specific minimum. However, if the 15% reduction puts you in financial hardship, you can contact the IRS and request a reduction or release of the levy.

How to stop it:

Set up an Installment Agreement. If you owe less than $50,000, you can do this online at irs.gov. Once you're in an active payment plan, the levy should be released.

Request Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status. If you can demonstrate that paying the tax would cause economic hardship (you can't afford basic living expenses), the IRS can temporarily suspend collection, including the Social Security levy.

Submit an Offer in Compromise if you truly can't pay the full amount.

Claim the levy is causing hardship by contacting the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 1-877-777-4778.

Don't ignore IRS notices. The FPLP levy happens automatically once you've been issued a Notice of Intent to Levy and haven't responded within 30 days. The earlier you engage, the more options you have.