---
title: A Passport Hold for Tax Debt: What It Means and What to Do
url: https://taxtruce.com/health/passport-hold
updated: 2026-10-29
---

# Tax debt and your passport

Big tax debt can block a passport.

Updated October 8, 20261 source[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

The short answer

## What should I do about a passport hold for tax debt?

If you have seriously delinquent tax debt, the IRS tells the State Department. The State Department may then deny a new passport, refuse a renewal, or revoke one. For 2026 the line is more than $66,000.

**Seriously delinquent tax debt for 2026 is more than $66,000, including penalties and interest.**[Source: IRS: Revocation or denial of passport for unpaid taxes](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/revocation-or-denial-of-passport-in-cases-of-certain-unpaid-taxes)

The debt must also have a filed lien with appeal rights used up, or a levy. The IRS mails notice CP508C when it certifies you.

Debts on a plan you are paying on time, an accepted offer, or a pending plan or offer request are not certified. Neither are CNC hardship accounts.

If you apply for a passport while certified, the State Department holds your application 90 days. That is your window to pay or set up a plan.

## Key facts

* Your total federal tax debt with penalties and interest
* Whether you got a CP508C
* Any pending plan or offer request
* Travel dates
* Whether you are in a combat zone (certification is postponed)

## Options that may help

**Payment plan**

A plan you pay on time keeps the debt from being certified.

**Pay in full**

Full payment leads the IRS to reverse the certification and send a CP508R.

**Offer or CNC**

A pending offer or a hardship CNC status also stops certification.

Results depend on your situation. Not every case qualifies.

## Common questions

How long does the State Department hold my application?

90 days from its letter. If you don't make a payment arrangement in time, it denies the application.

Source: [IRS: Revocation or denial of passport for unpaid taxes](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/revocation-or-denial-of-passport-in-cases-of-certain-unpaid-taxes)

Does child support count?

No. Child support is not seriously delinquent tax debt for this rule.

Source: [IRS: Revocation or denial of passport for unpaid taxes](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/revocation-or-denial-of-passport-in-cases-of-certain-unpaid-taxes)

## Sources

1. [IRS: Revocation or denial of passport for unpaid taxes](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/revocation-or-denial-of-passport-in-cases-of-certain-unpaid-taxes)

General information, not tax or legal advice. You can contact the IRS yourself for free at [irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov).

Run the numbers with our [free tax tools](/tools), like the penalty and payment plan math.