I’m Darrin Mish. Tampa tax attorney, 32 years in, more than $100 million in IRS debt resolved. What follows isn’t theory – it’s what I’ve actually watched work.
You open your mailbox and there it is. A letter from the IRS with “Intent to Levy” printed right on it. That’s a CP504 notice. And it’s not a suggestion.
A CP504 is the IRS telling you they’re done asking nicely. They’ve sent you previous notices. You didn’t respond. Now they’re putting you on notice that they can seize your state tax refund and potentially other assets.
Here’s what most people don’t realize. The CP504 is actually your last chance to act before things get serious. The next step is a Final Notice of Intent to Levy (LT11 or Letter 1058). Once that lands, the IRS can garnish your wages, drain your bank account, and seize your property. Legally.
But you still have options at the CP504 stage. You can set up an installment agreement. You might qualify for an Offer in Compromise to settle for less than you owe. If you’re going through financial hardship, Currently Not Collectible status can pause collections entirely.
The worst thing you can do is nothing. Every day you wait, penalties and interest keep growing. The IRS doesn’t forget. They just get more aggressive.
If you’ve received a CP504 or any IRS notice you don’t understand, call us at (813) 229-7100 for a free consultation. We’ve helped thousands of taxpayers resolve over $100 million in tax debt. We can help you too.