How long can the IRS hold out 15% on a SS check, our only income is from my husbands SS check 1420.00 mo. they are now taking 213.00 out, we oew back taxes from when we had a small business, the housing market fell out and we lost our home, we now have to survive off this, I'm just afraid, can they take all of it or just the 15% every month, we owe 78k in back taxes which includes interest and penaltys, I hope to save and do a one time deal with the IRS that I have read about, any advice from anyone will be so helpful... thanks, laurie

They will keep taking it till the entire amount owed is paid off.

Is there anything I can do legally, I don't have the money to pay it and at 213.00 a month, that's not even touching the interest, which is still building daily if I'm not mistaken... thanks, laurie

Have you talked to them about trying to work out a settlement for less money ? But they are allowed to do this, unless you can prove you did not owe the money.