MJ Blog
IRS Notices Explained: Understanding CP501, CP503, CP504, and LT11, and What Georgia Taxpayers Should Do Next
Receiving a letter from the IRS can create instant worry. You open the mailbox, see the envelope, and suddenly your day feels a little heavier. Whether the notice is a CP501, CP503, CP504, or the more urgent LT11, it’s completely normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed.
But before you assume the worst or let your mind jump to conclusions, here is something important to know: These notices are more common than you think, and they are absolutely manageable — especially with the right support.
At MJ Tax Relief Group, we help people across Columbus and throughout Georgia understand what these IRS letters mean and what the next steps should be. You don’t have to interpret the formal language alone. You don’t have to guess what the IRS wants. And you certainly don’t have to face the worry by yourself.
Our goal is simple: to guide you through the process gently, clearly, and confidently, so you feel supported from start to finish.
What Does the CP501 Notice Mean?
The CP501 is usually the IRS’s first message about a balance due. Think of it as a friendly reminder — not a threat. Many Georgia taxpayers receive this notice because of something small: a missing piece of information, a withholding error, a late payment, or a change in the return the IRS processed.
The CP501 does not mean the IRS is taking action. It does not mean you’re in trouble. It simply means the IRS is asking for an update or a response.
Most people feel a sense of relief once they understand that this notice is common and very manageable. And we’re here to help you decide the best way to respond.
Why Does the CP503 Arrive Next?
If the IRS doesn’t hear back after the CP501, they send the CP503. The tone becomes a little more urgent, but it’s still not an enforcement letter. The IRS is simply making sure you’re aware of the balance due.
In busy cities like Columbus — or if life has been stressful or overwhelming — it’s easy for the first notice to get misplaced or pushed aside. So the CP503 is the IRS’s way of saying, “Please take a moment to look at this.”
Even at this stage, you have many options, and nothing is beyond repair.
What Is the CP504 Notice and Why Does It Sound More Serious?
The CP504 is the IRS stating more clearly that they need a response. For the first time, they mention that the IRS maylevy your state tax refund if the issue isn’t resolved. This language can feel alarming, and many people reach out for help at this point.
But here’s the reassuring truth: even the CP504 is still a step where we can intervene quickly and calmly. You have time. You have rights. And you have options.
You do not need to feel alone or embarrassed. With the right guidance, the CP504 can be handled in a way that avoids future stress.
The LT11 / Letter 1058: What It Means and How We Can Help
The LT11 is more serious because it’s the Final Notice of Intent to Levy. This letter outlines possible collection actions, such as levying wages or bank accounts, if you do not respond by the deadline.
However — and this is incredibly important — you still have powerful protections.
The LT11 also gives you the right to request a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing, which immediately pauses levy action while your case is reviewed. It creates a window of time for us to step in, talk with the IRS, and create a solution that protects you financially.
Many people panic when they see an LT11. But once we explain what the letter actually means, they often feel calmer and more in control.
Do You Still Have Tax Relief Options After Receiving These Notices?
Yes. Absolutely.
No IRS notice — even the LT11 — means your situation is hopeless. Tax relief remains available at every stage, especially when you act promptly.
Depending on your situation, you may qualify for:
• a monthly payment plan that fits your budget
• penalty reduction or removal
• temporary relief if you’re facing financial hardship
• correcting missing or inaccurate returns to reduce the balance
• long-term tax resolution strategies tailored to your needs
Many Georgia taxpayers are surprised to learn that their balance decreases once a professional reviews their IRS transcripts and files corrected returns.
You deserve to know all your options — and we’re here to walk through each one with kindness and clarity.
Why Professional Support Makes Such a Difference
IRS notices are written in formal, technical language. That alone can make the situation feel more urgent or frightening than it really is. Add the emotional weight — worry, embarrassment, uncertainty — and it’s easy to feel stuck.
That’s why having compassionate, knowledgeable guidance matters so much.
When you work with MJ Tax Relief Group, you’re not just getting a tax professional — you’re getting someone in your corner. Someone who cares about your peace of mind. Someone who explains your rights clearly. Someone who handles communication with the IRS so you don’t have to.
We take time to:
• review each notice with you
• clarify what the IRS is truly asking
• determine your safest next step
• stop enforcement whenever possible
• communicate on your behalf
• build a plan that helps you move forward with confidence
Our goal is not just to solve the tax issue — but to support you emotionally as well, reassuring you that there is a solution and you’re not in this alone.
You Don’t Have to Face IRS Notices Alone
Whether you’re holding a CP501, CP503, CP504, or LT11, remember this:
Those letters do not define you. They do not mean you’ve failed. And they absolutely do not mean you have to handle this by yourself.
With the right guidance, these notices become manageable. The path forward becomes clearer. And the stress you’ve been carrying starts to lift.
If you’re in Columbus, Georgia or anywhere in the state, MJ Tax Relief Group is here to help you understand your notices, protect your finances, and move toward real tax relief — gently, kindly, and confidently.
MJ Tax Relief Group
📞 (706) 813-6125
📧 admin@mjtax.com
Serving Columbus and all of Georgia
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