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Received an IRS LT11 in Columbus, Georgia? Act Now to Avoid Asset Seizure
Receiving a notice from the IRS can be a stressful experience, but few are as urgent and critical as the LT11. If you've just opened an envelope containing an IRS LT11 notice, consider it a bright red flag demanding your immediate attention. This isn't just a reminder; it's the IRS's final warning before they take aggressive action to collect overdue taxes by seizing your property.
What is an IRS LT11 Notice?
An LT11 notice, also known as Letter 1058, is the IRS's "Final Notice of Intent to Levy and Notice of Your Right to a Hearing." This letter signifies that the IRS has not received payment for your past-due taxes, despite likely sending several prior notices (such as CP14, CP501, or CP504). It explicitly states their intention to seize your property or rights to property if you don't respond and resolve your tax debt promptly.
The notice will detail:
The total amount due, including the original tax, penalties, and accrued interest.
The IRS's intent to levy (seize) assets such as wages, bank accounts, business assets, personal assets (like your car or home), state tax refunds, and even Social Security benefits.
Your right to request a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing.
The Grave Implications of Ignoring an LT11 Notice
Ignoring an LT11 notice is the absolute worst course of action. You have a limited window – typically 30 days from the date on the notice – to respond. If you fail to act within this timeframe, the IRS has the legal authority to proceed with collection actions without further warning. This can lead to:
Bank Account Levies: The IRS can freeze funds in your bank accounts and seize them to satisfy your tax debt.
Wage Garnishment: A portion of your wages can be taken directly from your paycheck.
Asset Seizure: The IRS can seize and sell your personal or business property, including vehicles and real estate.
Federal Tax Lien: The IRS may file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien, which is a public record that asserts the government's legal claim to your property. This can severely impact your credit and ability to sell assets.
Passport Revocation/Denial: For seriously delinquent tax debts (currently over $62,000, adjusted for inflation), the IRS can request the State Department to deny or revoke your U.S. passport.
Accruing Penalties and Interest: Your debt will continue to grow the longer it remains unpaid.
Your Options When You Receive an LT11 Notice
While an LT11 notice is serious, it also presents a crucial opportunity to address your tax debt and prevent enforced collection. Here are your primary options:
Pay the Balance in Full: If you have the means, paying the entire amount due is the quickest way to resolve the issue and stop further penalties and interest.
Set Up a Payment Plan (Installment Agreement): If you can't pay in full, you can request an installment agreement to make monthly payments over time. For debts under $50,000, you may qualify for a streamlined online agreement.
Submit an Offer in Compromise (OIC): An OIC allows certain taxpayers to settle their tax debt for a lower amount than what they owe. This is typically an option if you are experiencing significant financial hardship and can demonstrate that paying the full amount would prevent you from meeting basic living expenses.
Request a Collection Due Process (CDP) Hearing: This is your right to appeal the IRS's intent to levy. By filing Form 12153 within the 30-day window, you can temporarily halt collection actions and discuss alternative resolutions with an independent IRS Appeals Officer. During this hearing, you can:
Propose alternative payment options (installment agreement, OIC).
Challenge the amount of tax owed if you believe there's an error.
Request penalty abatement due to reasonable cause.
Seek Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status: If you demonstrate that you are unable to pay your tax debt due to financial hardship, the IRS may temporarily classify your account as "Currently Not Collectible." Collection efforts will cease, but interest and penalties may continue to accrue, and the IRS can revisit your financial situation in the future.
How MJ Tax Relief Group Can Help
Navigating an IRS LT11 notice can be complex and intimidating, especially with the threat of levies and liens. MJ Tax Relief Group specializes in helping individuals and businesses effectively respond to and resolve serious IRS collection actions. We can:
Review Your Notice and Account: We'll thoroughly analyze your LT11 notice and IRS tax account to understand the full scope of your debt and identify any inaccuracies.
Determine the Best Resolution Strategy: Based on your financial situation, we'll advise you on the most suitable tax relief options, whether it's an installment agreement, Offer in Compromise, or another solution.
Represent You Before the IRS: We'll communicate directly with the IRS on your behalf, handling all negotiations, paperwork, and ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.
File for a Collection Due Process Hearing: If appropriate, we will prepare and submit your request for a CDP hearing, representing your interests to the IRS Appeals Office.
Prevent Levies and Liens: Our proactive approach aims to stop aggressive collection actions before they impact your financial stability.
Don't Wait – Act Now!
An IRS LT11 notice is a critical alert that demands immediate action. Ignoring it will only worsen your situation and could lead to severe financial consequences. If you've received an LT11, don't face the IRS alone. Contact MJ Tax Relief Group today for expert guidance and professional representation to protect your assets and resolve your tax debt.
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