What Happens If You Ignore IRS Notices? (Spoiler: It Only Gets Worse)

You check the mail and see a letter from the IRS. You set it aside. Maybe open it, maybe not.

A few weeks later, another one arrives. This one looks more serious. You don’t have the money — so you ignore it.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. But ignoring IRS notices won’t make the problem disappear. In fact, it can make everything worse — fast.

Let’s break down what happens if you ignore IRS letters and what to do instead.

The IRS Sends Notices in a Specific Order

The IRS doesn't go straight to garnishing wages or seizing accounts. They follow a set process — and each notice gives you a chance to respond before things escalate.

Here’s the typical sequence:

1. CP14 – Your first bill. It shows how much you owe, including penalties and interest.

2. CP501 or CP503 – Friendly reminders that you still haven’t paid.

3. CP504 – A much firmer warning. This is the first notice that mentions levy and lien action.

4. LT11 / Letter 1058 – Final Notice of Intent to Levy and Your Right to a Hearing. The last stop before collections begin.

   
   

📌 Once the IRS sends that final notice, you have 30 days to respond before they can legally start garnishing wages or freezing accounts.

What Happens If You Keep Ignoring?

Ignoring the IRS doesn’t delay the process — it accelerates it.

Here’s what can happen if you don’t respond:

• Wage garnishment: A portion of your paycheck is withheld each pay period

• Bank levy: The IRS can freeze and take money from your bank account

• Tax liens: Filed against your home or assets, making it harder to sell or refinance

• Passport issues: If your debt exceeds a threshold, your passport can be revoked or denied

• Seizure of property: In rare but serious cases, the IRS can take physical assets

  
  

You Still Have Rights — But You Have to Act

Every notice from the IRS gives you options:

• Appeal the proposed action

• Request a payment plan

• Submit financial hardship information

• Apply for programs like CNC or Offer in Compromise

  
  

But if you ignore those opportunities, they go away. The IRS assumes silence means you’re not interested in working things out — and collections begin.

What to Do Instead

If you’ve already received one or more IRS notices, here’s what I recommend:

✅ Open them — even if it’s scary.

✅ Don’t panic — you have options

✅ Get professional help — the earlier, the better.

I’ve helped clients at every stage — from the first letter to full-blown garnishments. There’s always something we can do — but it’s easier (and often cheaper) if we act early.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for a Crisis

IRS letters aren’t just paperwork. They’re legal steps toward serious action. But every letter is also an opportunity to stop the process before it gets out of control.

Got a stack of unopened IRS mail? It’s not too late.📅 Book your Tax Strategy Session today and let’s face it together — and fix it.