That feeling is unmistakable. You open your mailbox, see the official IRS envelope, and your stomach drops. The words “Intent to Levy” or “Notice of Federal Tax Lien” swim before your eyes. Your first instinct might be to hide the letter, ignore it, and hope it goes away. Tax Resolution Services Company
We’re here to tell you: Take a deep breath. You have options, and this is a solvable problem.
Ignoring the IRS is the single biggest mistake you can make. It turns a manageable situation into a financial crisis. But taking deliberate, informed action can stop the escalation in its tracks and put you on the path to resolution.
Here is your essential 5-step action plan for the moment you receive an IRS notice.
Step 1: Don’t Panic, But Don’t Ignore It
The IRS operates on strict timelines. The dates on your notice are critical. Ignoring them leads to penalties, interest, and enforced collection actions like wage garnishments or bank levies. Open the letter, read it carefully, and note the response deadline. You now have a clear goal and a timeline. This is the first step back to control.
Step 2: Understand What You’re Facing
Not all IRS notices are created equal. Is it a simple math error (CP2000)? A notice that you underreported income? Or is it a series of letters culminating in a Final Notice of Intent to Levy (LT11/L1058)? The notice number in the top right corner (e.g., CP501, CP504, LT11) is your key to understanding the severity. Knowing the specific problem is the first step to building the right solution.
Step 3: Gather Your Financial Facts
Before you can resolve anything, you need a clear picture of your financial reality. Start gathering:
-
The IRS notice itself.
-
Your tax returns for the last 3-4 years.
-
Recent pay stubs and bank statements.
-
A list of your monthly living expenses (mortgage, utilities, food, car payment, etc.).
-
Documentation of any major life events (job loss, medical issues, divorce) that impacted your ability to pay.
This isn’t just paperwork; it’s the foundation of your defense and the key to proving your case for relief.
Step 4: Know Your Resolution Options (Yes, You Have Them)
The “one-size-fits-all” approach doesn’t work with the IRS. Your unique financial situation dictates the best path forward. Common, powerful resolutions include:
-
Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status: If paying your tax debt would cause significant financial hardship, we can apply to have the IRS temporarily suspend all collection activity.
-
Offer in Compromise (OIC): This is the “tax settlement” program. If you can prove you cannot pay the full amount, the IRS may accept a lesser amount to settle your debt permanently.
-
Installment Agreement: A monthly payment plan to pay off your debt over time. We negotiate for the most affordable terms possible.
-
Penalty Abatement: The IRS may remove certain penalties if you have a reasonable cause or a clean history of filing and paying on time.
-
Innocent Spouse Relief: If your tax debt is due to a current or former spouse’s error or fraud, you may be eligible for relief.
Step 5: Get a Professional in Your Corner
Navigating the IRS alone is like representing yourself in court. The rules are complex, the paperwork is daunting, and the stakes are high. This is where a dedicated Tax Resolution team becomes your most valuable asset.
At Franskoviak & Associates, CPA, we don’t just fill out forms. We become your shield, your strategist, and your voice.
Here’s what we do for you:
-
Conduct a Deep-Dive Analysis: We’ll review your notice, your financials, and your entire tax history to identify every possible avenue for relief.
-
Handle All Communication: We take the stress off you by dealing directly with the IRS on your behalf. No more dreaded phone calls or confusing letters.
-
Develop a Custom Strategy: We don’t guess. We build a data-driven case for the resolution strategy that best fits your life and finances.
-
Fight for the Best Outcome: We leverage our expertise as CPAs and tax negotiators to secure results—whether that’s stopping a levy, reducing what you owe, or setting up a manageable plan.
You made a mistake, or life got in the way. That doesn’t mean you deserve financial ruin.
The IRS notice is a starting gun, not a finish line. The race is to find the right solution before penalties pile up.