Got a letter from the IRS? Start by finding out what it actually says.
Find your notice number below to see what it means and how long you have. When you’re ready, we’ll pull your IRS records, explain every option that fits your situation, and deal with the IRS for you.
Which notice did you get?
The notice number is usually printed in the top or bottom right corner of the first page.
CP14You have a balance dueUsually the first bill after a return is processedPay or respond in 21 days
The IRS believes you owe tax, penalties or interest on a return. This is the start of the collection process, not the end of it, and it’s the cheapest point to act because penalties and interest keep growing.
What to do: Check that the amount matches your return. If you can’t pay in full, you may qualify for a payment plan before things escalate.
CP501Reminder: you still oweFollows an unpaid CP14Act now
A follow-up reminder that the balance is still unpaid. Interest and late-payment penalties are continuing to add up.
What to do: Pay, set up a payment plan, or get help reviewing your options before the next notice.
CP503Second reminderThe IRS is escalatingAct now
Another reminder, written more firmly. If this goes unanswered, the next step is usually a notice of intent to levy.
What to do: This is a good time to get representation so the next notices are handled on your terms.
CP504Notice of intent to levyThe IRS can take your state tax refundUrgent
The IRS is warning that it may seize your state income tax refund and is preparing to pursue other levies, such as bank accounts and wages, after a final notice.
What to do: Respond quickly. A payment arrangement or other resolution put in place now can stop collection from moving forward.
LT11 / 1058Final notice of intent to levyIncludes your right to a hearing30-day appeal window
This is the most important letter in the collection process. It gives you 30 days from the date on the letter to request a Collection Due Process hearing, which can pause levies while your case is reviewed.
What to do: Don’t let the 30 days pass. Missing this deadline means losing important appeal rights. Contact us right away.
CP90Final notice of intent to levyOften targets federal payments30-day appeal window
Like the LT11, this is a final notice that also gives you 30 days to request a Collection Due Process hearing.
What to do: Act within 30 days of the notice date to protect your hearing rights.
CP523Your payment plan is in defaultIntent to end your installment agreementUrgent
The IRS plans to end your installment agreement, usually because of a missed payment or a new balance, and may then resume levy action.
What to do: Respond by the date on the notice. Agreements can often be reinstated or renegotiated if you act quickly.
CP2000Proposed change to your returnIncome on file doesn’t match what you reportedNot a bill yet
The IRS received income information (like a 1099 or W-2) that doesn’t match your return and is proposing a change. You can agree, partly agree or disagree.
What to do: Respond by the date printed on the notice. Many CP2000s can be reduced or resolved with the right documentation.
Don’t see your notice? Deadlines run from the date printed on the letter, so send it to us and we’ll tell you what it means, free.
How it works
Free case review
A short call about what you’ve received and what you owe. No cost, no pressure.
We pull your IRS records
With your authorization, we get your account transcripts so we see exactly what the IRS sees.
You choose a plan
We explain every option you realistically qualify for, what each costs and how long it takes.
We handle the IRS
We contact the IRS on your behalf, meet the deadlines and keep you updated until it’s resolved.
What we help with
- Payment plans
Monthly installment agreements sized to what you can actually afford.
- Offer in compromise
Settling for less than you owe, when your finances genuinely qualify.
- Bank levies and wage garnishments
Working to release levies and get your paycheck or account back.
- Unfiled tax returns
Getting back into compliance, often a requirement before any resolution.
- Penalty relief
Requesting removal of penalties for first-time or reasonable-cause situations.
- Business and payroll tax debt
Resolving unpaid payroll taxes and protecting owners from personal liability.
- Hardship status
Pausing collection when paying would leave you unable to meet basic living costs.
- Collection appeals
Collection Due Process hearings and other appeals when deadlines matter.
What it costs
We quote flat fees in writing before any paid work begins, so you’ll know the full cost up front.
| Stage | What’s included | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|
| Case review | Phone consultation about your notices and situation | Free |
| Investigation | Power of Attorney (Form 2848), IRS transcripts for every open year, compliance check, financial review, written options summary | $1,500 |
| Resolution | Preparing and negotiating your chosen resolution with the IRS | Starting at $3,500, depending on complexity. Your $1,500 investigation fee is credited toward it. |
Who you’ll work with
Luella Willaman, EA
Luella Willaman is an Enrolled Agent, enrolled to practice before the IRS, and represents clients in collections and appeals in all 50 states. [Add years of experience, background, and why you do this work. Write it in your own voice.]
You can verify this credential in the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials.
We don’t just resolve it, we help keep it resolved. Most IRS agreements require you to keep filing and paying on time, so we can prepare your future returns and keep you compliant.
Common questions
What is an Enrolled Agent?
An Enrolled Agent is a tax professional enrolled to practice before the IRS. Enrolled Agents can represent taxpayers in collections, audits and appeals in all 50 states.
Can you help me if I live in another state?
Yes. IRS representation is federal, so we work with clients in every state by phone, video and secure document upload.
Can you guarantee the IRS will settle my debt for less?
No one can honestly guarantee that. Whether you qualify for an offer in compromise depends on your income, expenses and assets. We review your full situation first and tell you which options realistically fit before you pay for resolution work.
What should I do first after getting an IRS letter?
Find the notice number in the top or bottom right corner, note the date on the letter, and do not ignore it. Many deadlines run from the notice date, and some letters give you only 30 days to protect your appeal rights.
Talk to us about your notice
Free, confidential review. Have your IRS letters nearby if you can.
Book a free review Call (330) 288-7766