Received an IRS letter? Do not ignore it. Each notice has a specific meaning, deadline, and required response. Missing deadlines can lead to liens, levies, and wage garnishments. Dream Financial Management helps taxpayers respond to IRS notices nationwide since 1994.
The IRS sends over 170 types of notices. Here are the most common — and most serious — ones you might receive.
| Notice | What It Means | Severity | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT11 / CP90 | Final Notice of Intent to Levy — your last warning before IRS seizes assets | CRITICAL | Request CDP hearing within 30 days |
| LT1058 / Letter 1058 | Final Notice — IRS intends to levy your state tax refund | CRITICAL | Respond immediately — 30-day CDP window |
| CP504 | Notice of Intent to Levy — warning before final levy notice | URGENT | Pay or set up payment plan immediately |
| CP523 | Installment Agreement Default — you missed a payment | URGENT | Contact IRS within 30 days to reinstate |
| CP2000 | Income discrepancy — IRS records don't match your return | SERIOUS | Respond within 30 days with documentation |
| CP14 | Balance Due — you owe taxes and haven't paid | SERIOUS | Pay in full or contact IRS for payment plan |
| CP49 | Overpayment applied to prior tax debt (refund offset) | Informational | Review — dispute if incorrect within 60 days |
| CP90 | Final Notice of Intent to Levy (same as LT11) | CRITICAL | CDP hearing request within 30 days |
| CP297 | Final Notice of Intent to Levy (CP297A for business) | CRITICAL | CDP hearing within 30 days |
| LT3172 | Notice of Federal Tax Lien Filing | URGENT | CDP hearing request within 30 days |
| CP501 | Reminder — balance due, first notice | Standard | Pay or contact IRS by due date |
| CP503 | Second reminder — balance due, more urgent | Moderate | Pay immediately or set up payment plan |
These are Final Notices of Intent to Levy. You have exactly 30 days to request a Collection Due Process hearing. After 30 days, the IRS can levy your bank account and garnish your wages. Do not miss this deadline.
Most IRS notices require specific documentation and responses within strict deadlines. Dream Financial Management handles all IRS correspondence for our clients. Free review of your IRS notice. Since 1994.
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