What is going on with your taxes?

Pick the one that sounds like you.

CP14 noticeA CP14 is the first bill the IRS sends when you owe unpaid taxes.CP504 noticeA CP504 is the IRS notice of intent to levy.LT11 or Letter 1058An LT11 or Letter 1058 says the IRS intends to seize your property and tells you about your right to a hearing.CP2000 noticeA CP2000 means income or payments reported by others, like employers or banks, don't match your return.Audit letterAn audit is a review of your return and records.Passport at riskIf you have seriously delinquent tax debt, the IRS tells the State Department.Refund takenYour refund can be cut to pay old federal taxes, past due child support, other federal debts, state income tax or some state unemployment debts.Social Security levyYes.Divorce and tax debtIf you filed jointly, you are both responsible for that tax, even after a divorce, and even if the decree says your ex must pay.After a spouse diesSomeone must file the final return for a person who died, and any past years they missed.Lost your jobUnemployment pay is taxable income.Medical hardshipA serious illness can be a reasonable cause to remove late filing or late payment penalties.Business closedClosing a business does not end its taxes.Identity theftIf someone filed a return or got a refund in your name, follow the IRS letter, report it with Form 14039, and get an identity protection PIN.1099-K surpriseA Form 1099-K reports payments you got for goods or services through cards, payment apps or online marketplaces.Crypto taxesSelling or trading crypto can create tax.Early 401(k) withdrawalMoney taken from a 401(k) or IRA before age 59 and a half is usually taxed as income, plus a 10% extra tax.Taxes on unemploymentUnemployment benefits are taxable income.IRS scam callsScammers pose as the IRS and demand you pay now or be arrested.10 year collection clockThe IRS generally has 10 years from the date a tax is assessed to collect it.

General information, not tax or legal advice. Rules change. A licensed tax pro can look at your own case.

Your real options

The main ways people deal with IRS debt

Payment plan

Pay over time. Plans under $50,000 can be set up online. Estimate a plan

Penalty relief

Some penalties can be removed for a clean record or a good reason.

Offer in compromise

Settle for less in rare cases. Only 14% of offers were accepted in fiscal year 2025.

Not collectible for now

If you truly cannot pay, the IRS may pause collection. Interest keeps growing.

Results depend on your situation. Not every case qualifies.

Questions about tax problems

What is the first letter the IRS sends?

Usually a CP14, a bill for the tax you owe. Pay by the due date on it and no more interest is added.

What does a levy mean?

A levy is when the IRS takes money or property, like wages or a bank account, to pay the debt. A notice of intent to levy, like a CP504, comes first.

What is a tax lien?

A lien is the government's legal claim on your property for a tax debt. The IRS releases it within 30 days after the debt is paid.

How do I know if a letter is really from the IRS?

Check your balance in your own IRS online account at irs.gov, and call the number listed on irs.gov, not one from a text or email.

See your options

A few questions. A tax pro calls you back.

Free tools: penalty calculator, 10 year clock, IRS offer data

Free to use. Not the IRS or any government agency. Results depend on your situation. Not every case qualifies.