IRS Notice CP504 • Intent to Levy

Received an IRS CP504 notice?

CP504 is a serious collection warning. The IRS says the balance remains unpaid and gives notice of its intent to levy under Internal Revenue Code section 6331(d).

Do not ignore the 30-day language or assume CP504 is identical to an LT11 or Letter 1058. The notices serve related but different procedural purposes.

There is no fee to book the call. No documents are required when booking. Have every page of CP504 available during your call.

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What CP504 Means

The collection process has escalated

CP504 generally follows earlier balance-due notices. It states that the IRS has not received payment and intends to levy certain property or rights to property.

The IRS states that if it does not receive the amount due within 30 days from the notice date, it can levy a state tax refund. Special rules may also permit a federal contractor levy or disqualified employment tax levy.

Important Distinction

CP504 is not the same as LT11 or Letter 1058

CP504

An intent-to-levy notice under section 6331(d). It can support a state-refund levy and certain special levy actions after the applicable period.

LT11 or Letter 1058

These commonly provide notice of the right to request a Collection Due Process hearing before most other levy action.

Do not assume your rights

Read the exact notice and enclosures. A Form 12153 deadline should be determined from the notice that actually offers Collection Due Process rights.

What To Do

Respond based on the account and deadline

If the balance is correct

Pay the correct amount if possible, or establish an appropriate collection arrangement. Confirm the payment is applied to the correct year and form.

If the balance is wrong

Identify missing payments, credits, adjustments, or processing errors. Contact the IRS using the notice instructions and preserve proof.

If payment causes hardship

Review filing compliance, finances, necessary expenses, and potential collection alternatives before agreeing to an unaffordable payment.

Records To Review

Have these available for the call

  • Every page and enclosure from CP504
  • Earlier CP14, CP501, and CP503 notices
  • Filed returns for the listed periods
  • Payment confirmations and cancelled checks
  • Installment-agreement records
  • Copies and proof of earlier IRS responses
  • Recent IRS account transcripts, if available
  • Any LT11, Letter 1058, CP90, or lien notice
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Possible Consequences

What may happen if CP504 is ignored

State refund levy

The IRS may levy a state tax refund after the applicable notice period.

Federal tax lien

The IRS may file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien if it has not already done so.

Later final levy notice

The IRS may send LT11, Letter 1058, CP90, or another notice offering a Collection Due Process hearing before most other levy action.

Special levy action

Different procedures may apply to federal contractors, disqualified employment tax levies, jeopardy situations, or other exceptions.

Growing balance

Penalties and interest may continue on unpaid amounts as provided by law.

Asset investigation

The IRS states that it may begin searching for other assets on which to issue a levy.

Frequently Asked Questions

IRS CP504 questions

Can the IRS levy after CP504?

CP504 can support a state-refund levy and certain special levy actions after the applicable period. In most other situations, the IRS generally sends a later notice offering a Collection Due Process hearing first.

Should I file Form 12153 for CP504?

Do not assume CP504 itself gives the same CDP rights as LT11 or Letter 1058. Review the exact notice and enclosures to identify the appeal procedure actually offered.

Can I request a CAP appeal?

The IRS states that a taxpayer may request an appeal under the Collection Appeals Program before collection action by following the notice instructions.

What if I already made arrangements?

Confirm the IRS account reflects the payment or agreement and that all required returns and current payments remain compliant.

Is there a fee to book?

No. There is no fee to book the call. Professional work requires a separate written engagement.

Can TaxDecoders represent me?

Representation may be offered after the notice, deadlines, account history, compliance status, finances, and required work are reviewed.

Verified Resources

Official IRS information

This page was reviewed on July 26, 2026. Always follow the dates and instructions printed on your actual notice.

CP504 is a serious collection warning.

Book a call with TaxDecoders. Have CP504, earlier notices, and your payment or agreement history available during the call.

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