IRS Levy Notices

There are many different notices sent by the IRS informing taxpayers of a levy.

The IRS is required to notify the taxpayer, at least 30 days in advance, of its intent to levy on salary, wages and other property.

CP 501 - Reminder - Balance Due

This is a reminder notice that is sent prior to the Notice of Intent to Levy. This notice informs the taxpayer of an unpaid balance still due on their account. The taxpayer is allowed 10 days to respond to the notice before the IRS pursues further collection action.

CP 503 - Second Notice - Balance Due

This levy notice follows the reminder notice stating the balance is still pending and full payment is due 10 days from the date of the notice.

CP 504 - Urgent Notice - Balance Due

This is a notice stating the intent of the IRS to issue a levy. Immediate communication with the IRS is required to prevent a levy against your assets. There is no more grace period.

CP 90/CP- 297 - Final Notice of Intent to Levy

This notice informs the taxpayer the IRS intends to levy. Salary, wages, bank accounts and personal property are at risk. You are allowed 30 days from the date of the notice before the IRS issues the levy.

CP 91/CP-298 - Final Notice Before Levy on Social Security Benefits

This notice tells you the IRS intends to issue a levy against fifteen (15) percent of your Social Security benefits because you still have a balance due on your tax account. You have 30 days from the date of the notice to contact the IRS.

CP 523 - Notice of Intent to Levy - You Defaulted on Your Installment Agreement

This levy notice is sent when a taxpayer defaults on their Installment Agreement. Either you missed a payment, have a new balance due or you did not file your tax return. You have 30 days to respond to this notice before the IRS levies your assets.

Form 668-W - Notice of Levy

This notice informs you that the IRS has issued a levy to collect back taxes. This notice will also be sent to a third party such as your payroll or bank. The notice requires your payroll department or your bank to withhold funds and send them directly to the IRS.
Once the levy is issued, it is imperative you call the IRS immediately to try to get it released. The IRS does not release a levy easily; however there are certain circumstances when they will.

Form 668-D - Release of Levy

If the levy is released, the IRS will mail and/or fax Form 668-D to your bank or payroll. This notice releases all wages, salary, or other income that was previously levied. Occasionally, the IRS will agree to a partial release of the levy.