39-51-3107. Internal revenue levy -- withholding of unemployment benefits to repay federal tax obligations. (1) The internal revenue service may levy against an individual's unemployment benefits if the individual:
     (a) is liable for taxes, interest, or penalties owed to the internal revenue service; and
     (b) has not paid the taxes, interest, or penalties in subsection (1)(a) within 10 days of receiving a notice and demand for repayment from the internal revenue service.
     (2) Pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 6331(h)(2)(c), any amount payable as unemployment benefits may be levied against until the levy is released.
     (3) The levy may be implemented electronically by the department and the internal revenue service.
     (4) After receiving notice of a levy from the internal revenue service, the department shall deduct and withhold up to 15% from any unemployment benefits payable to the individual owing money to the internal revenue service. The amount withheld must be determined by the internal revenue service in accordance with 26 U.S.C. 6331(h)(2)(c).
     (5) The department shall pay any amount deducted and withheld pursuant to this section to the internal revenue service on behalf of the individual. Any amount deducted and withheld must be treated as if it were paid to the individual as unemployment benefits and then paid by the individual to the internal revenue service in satisfaction of the individual's federal tax obligations.

     History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 61, L. 1999.