CP504: notice of intent to levy

What a CP504 means

A CP504 says your unpaid balance still hasn't been paid. The IRS says it is a Notice of Intent to Levy under section 6331(d) and calls it a final reminder before it acts to collect. [1]source 1

The IRS says it can levy your state tax refund and can begin looking for other assets, such as wages and bank accounts. [1]source 1

For most other levies, the Taxpayer Advocate Service says the IRS first sends a separate notice offering a Collection Due Process hearing, unless you've already had one. That later notice is usually the LT11 or Letter 1058. [2]source 2

Why people get one

• Earlier bills and reminders for the balance went unpaid or unanswered.
• A payment plan or payment wasn't on the account when the notice went out.
• A balance was left after a change to the return.

First steps

1. Find the tax year and amount, and check them against your return and payment records.
2. Check your IRS online account (typed in yourself at irs.gov) to confirm the notice is real and see the balance and any payments already posted. [1]source 1
3. Pay the balance now if you can, online or by mail with the bottom part of the notice. [1]source 1
4. If you can't pay it all, pay what you can and apply for a payment plan. The IRS calls the online payment agreement tool the fastest way. [1]source 1
5. If you disagree, or already paid or set up a plan, call the number printed on your notice so the account shows it. [1]source 1
6. If you want an appeal before collection starts, the IRS points to the Collection Appeals Program, following the notice's instructions. [1]source 1

What not to do

• Don't ignore it. The IRS lists wages, bank accounts, business assets, a car or home, and Social Security benefits among property that may be seized. [1]source 1
• Don't pay through a link or phone number from an unexpected email or text. Use irs.gov, typed in yourself.
• Don't forget the passport side. The IRS says seriously delinquent tax debt can keep the State Department from issuing or renewing a passport. [1]source 1

Where it sits

Related notices

• Comes before CP503 The second reminder before this notice.
• Can come next LT11 The final notice of intent to levy, with Collection Due Process hearing rights.
• Related CP90 Another final notice of intent to levy with hearing rights.

Keep reading

• Installment agreement
• Section 6331: levy
• Form 2848

Questions