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Published:   |   Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Collection Alternatives Station

Where am I on the Roadmap

Overview

You have a balance due on your account and/or missing returns. You can work with the IRS to resolve these issues.

I need more information

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1.

What does this mean to me?

You have a balance due on your account and/or missing returns. You can work with the IRS to resolve these issues. 

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2.

How did I get here?

You received a notice or letter from the IRS regarding a tax balance you owe or an unfiled return. 

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What are my next steps?

You should file any unfiled returns to avoid additional penalty an interest.  

You can work with the IRS to resolve your balance due accounts through various collection alternatives, including: 

  •  an installment agreement or an offer in compromise.  
  • Depending on your financial circumstances, you may qualify to have your tax account placed in currently not collectible status or for relief from levies or liens.  

Below are three examples of collection alternatives: 

  • You responded to IRS Notice CP501, Individual (IMF) Balance Due- First Notice, and paid the balance due via electronic payment options on IRS.gov’s – Paying Your Taxes or via check or money order payable to the United States Treasury. 
  • You respond to IRS Letter 16, ACS Letter: Please Call Us About Your Overdue Taxes Or Tax Return, by speaking with an Automated Collection System (ACS) representative to set-up an installment agreement. 
  • You respond to IRS Letter 1058, Final Notice – Notice of Intent to Levy and Notice of Your Right to a Hearing, by speaking and working with the Revenue Officer who issued Letter 1058. After review of financial information received, the Revenue Officer determines that you are financially unable to pay the outstanding liability at this time and places your tax account in currently not collectible. 

General Resources

Understanding your notice or letter

Get Help topics

Browse common tax issues and situations at TAS Get Help

If you still need help

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS. TAS helps taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS, makes administrative and legislative recommendations to prevent or correct the problems, and protects taxpayer rights. TAS helps all taxpayers (and their representatives), including individuals, businesses, and exempt organizations. You may be eligible for free TAS help if your IRS problem is causing financial difficulty, if you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or if you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should.

TAS has offices in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To find your local advocate’s number:

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) assist individuals whose income is below a certain level who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. They also provide education, outreach, and information on taxpayer rights to individuals who speak English as a second language. LITCs represent taxpayers in disputes before the IRS and courts and help taxpayers respond to IRS notices and correct account problems. Services are offered for free or a small fee. LITCs are independent from the IRS and TAS. For more information or to find an LITC near you, see the LITC Page or Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List. You can also request Pub. 4134 by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

View our Interactive Tax Map

Let us help you navigate your way through the IRS. Visit our interactive tax map to see where you are in the tax process.

Taxpayer Roadmap
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Did you know there is a Taxpayer Bill of Rights?

The taxpayer Bill of Rights is grouped into 10 easy to understand categories outlining the taxpayer rights and protections embedded in the tax code.

It is also what guides the advocacy work we do for taxpayers.

Read more about your rights