How can I avoid bank levies if I owe state back taxes

Here's a practical tip - if you can't pay the full amount you agreed upon, pay what you can every month. When you stop cold, or miss payments, it seems to attract more attention. Regular monthly payments are a big deal, but that might not stop a lien or a garnishment or a seizure of your bank account. Your options are to enter into a new installment agreement with the State, or to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy if the taxes are dischargeable, or to file a Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy reorganization plan to provide for payment arrangements. The Louisiana Department of Revenue is generally more difficult to deal with than the IRS. The collectors take their jobs seriously and they have a lot of administrative rules that they have to follow to prevent showing favoritism to any particular taxpayer. Although the LADR collectors are tough, some of them are sympathetic to taxpayers who are down on their luck because of medical issues, involuntary unemployment, or family problems. One thing is certain - you will do better contacting them first before they lien or garnish your property. If you can't get anywhere with the collector assigned to your case, talk to an experienced Louisiana bankruptcy attorney.