Midland · Odessa · Permian Basin
Boom-year taxes. Bust-year budget.
When income swings and the IRS bill doesn’t, these guides lay out your options — and the first call with an independent licensed professional is free.
118,629
jobs in Midland County, Q1 2026
$2,024
average weekly wage, Q1 2026
3.3%
unemployment, Aug 2026 (prelim.)
$2,263
IRS housing allowance, 1 person
Sources: BLS QCEW · BLS LAUS · IRS Local Standards (June 29, 2026)
Why the Basin is different
Mining, including oil and gas support work, accounted for 32,168 of Midland County’s jobs in Q1 2026. Paychecks follow the rig count; IRS balances don’t.
The IRS judges what you can pay against county standards — $2,263 a month for housing for one person in Midland County, $1,950 in Ector County — so a budget built in a boom can look very different a year later.
Hardship status →
The first call is free, and get a real professional instead of a National Call Center.
(432) 262-9054Free help in the Basin
Taxpayer Advocate
Independent help inside the IRS when a problem is causing financial harm.
Taxpayer clinics
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics represent people who qualify, free or for a small fee. Texas Tech in Lubbock runs the nearest one listed in Publication 4134.
VITA
Volunteers prepare returns at no charge for households earning about $70,244 or less.
Prefer to write it down?
Fastest: call (432) 262-9054. The first call is free. Or leave the basics here.
Never enter a Social Security number, date of birth or bank details.
Straight answers
Can the IRS levy oilfield wages in Texas?
Yes. Texas shields current wages from most private creditors, but a federal tax levy is not bound by that rule. The IRS must first send a final notice of intent to levy and allow 30 days to request a hearing.
What if I disagree with a levy or lien?
You may be able to use the Collection Appeals Program or a Collection Due Process hearing. Deadlines are short and depend on the notice, so check the date on your letter.
How often does the IRS accept an Offer in Compromise?
In fiscal year 2025 the IRS accepted 5,464 of 38,797 offers received, about 14.1%, according to the IRS Data Book.
Is the first call free?
Yes. The first call is free, with no obligation.
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