Straight answers about IRS problems.
What your letter means, how much time you have, and what your options are. Free, written by a licensed Enrolled Agent, and no email required to read it.
IRS letters, in the order they arrive
The IRS sends collection letters in a set order, and each one gets more serious. Find yours to see where you are and how much time is left.
Your first balance-due notice. You have the most options right now.
Read the CP14 guide → CP501Step 2 of 5 "Hello? Still waiting."A reminder that your balance is still unpaid. Still early, but the clock is running.
Read the CP501 guide → CP503Step 3 of 5 "We are getting impatient."The second reminder. Levy warnings come next, and a tax lien is possible.
Read the CP503 guide → CP504Step 4 of 5 "We are about to start taking things."Notice of intent to levy. The IRS can take your state refund now.
Read the CP504 guide → LT11Step 5 of 5 "Last chance before we take your paycheck."Final notice. You have 30 days to protect your right to an appeal hearing.
Read the LT11 guide → CP90Step 5 of 5 "This is the final warning. Really."Final notice before the IRS levies federal payments and other assets.
Read the CP90 guide →Other common IRS letters
Not every letter is part of the collection sequence. These have their own deadlines.
A proposed change to your return. Not a final bill.
Read the CP2000 guide → Letter 3172Urgent"We've put our name on your stuff."A federal tax lien was filed. You have a hearing deadline.
Read the Letter 3172 guide → CP59Act soon"We were expecting something from you."The IRS has no record of a return it expected.
Read the CP59 guide → LT16Urgent"We've written before. Call us. Now."The IRS wants you to contact it before enforcement.
Read the LT16 guide →IRS relief programs, explained honestly
What each program really is, who qualifies, and what to watch out for.
The Fresh Start program
What it changed, who it helps, and why you can't "enroll" in it.
Read more →Offer in compromise
How the IRS decides whether you can settle for less.
Read more →Currently not collectible
When the IRS pauses collection because you can't pay.
Read more →Innocent spouse relief
When a joint tax bill is really your spouse's or ex's.
Read more →Payment plans
Short-term and long-term installment agreements.
Read more →State tax debt help
How state collection differs, with guides for California and New York.
Read more →Guides for the big questions
The questions people ask us most, answered in full.
Can't pay your taxes? Here's what to do
Why you should still file on time, the five ways to deal with a balance you can't pay, and the mistakes that make it worse.
Read the guide →How IRS payment plans work
Short-term vs. long-term plans, who qualifies without a financial statement, what it costs, and how to keep a plan from defaulting.
Read the guide →How to stop an IRS wage garnishment
How a wage levy works, how much of your paycheck the IRS can take, and the fastest ways to get it released.
Read the guide →Free tools, no email required
Get a quick read on your situation in a minute or two.
IRS payment plan calculator
Estimate your monthly payment and see which type of plan you may qualify for.
Open the calculator →Which relief option fits me?
See whether a payment plan, paused collection, a settlement or penalty relief may fit.
Take the quiz →Can my penalties be removed?
Check whether you may qualify for first-time penalty relief or reasonable cause relief.
Check my penalties →IRS Letter Lookup
Pick your notice to see what it means, how urgent it is, and what to do next.
Look up my letter →Is that call really the IRS?
How to spot fake IRS calls, texts and emails, and the red flags of a bad tax relief company.
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