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In the IRS’s own words · not reviewed by VALID

CP297A notice explained, in the IRS’s own words

We levied your assets for unpaid taxes. You have the right to a Collection Due Process hearing.

Read the full CP297A page on irs.gov ↗

Quoted from www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-cp297a-notice, read October 15, 2026 · fingerprint 1850a7f74266 · 1 line left out here (see irs.gov)

What this notice is about

We levied your assets for unpaid taxes. You have the right to a Collection Due Process hearing.

What you need to do

  • Read your notice carefully. It explains our actions.
  • Pay what you owe.
  • Request a payment plan, if you can't pay the full amount you owe.

You may want to

  • Learn how to submit an offer in compromise.
  • Fill out and send us a Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, to allow someone (such as an accountant) to contact us on your behalf.

What should I do if I disagree with the notice?

Request a Collection Due Process hearing on Form 12153, Request for a Collection Due Process or Equivalent Hearing PDF.

Why should I request a Collection Due Process hearing?

You can appeal the levy and other disagreements you have at a Collection Due Process hearing.

Why didn't you tell me about my rights before you levied me?

You’re not eligible for a pre-levy hearing under IRC Section 6330 because you (or your predecessor) already requested an earlier hearing within the last two years for a period that ended with the beginning of the period shown on the notice. We've already sent you several notices about the amount you owe.

What happens if I can't pay what I owe?

You can apply online for a payment plan (including installment agreements).

You may also be subject to the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act legislation, which generally prohibits the State Department from issuing or renewing a passport to a taxpayer with seriously delinquent tax debt. More information on passport certification is available at IRS.gov/passports.

Reference Tools

  • Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer PDF
  • Publication 594, The IRS Collection Process PDF
  • Notice 746, Information About Your Notice, Penalty and Interest PDF
  • Full list of tax forms and instructions

Need help?

  • You can authorize someone to contact the IRS on your behalf.
  • If you can’t find what you need online, call the IRS number on your notice or letter. If you didn’t receive a letter or notice, use telephone assistance.
  • If you can't resolve the penalty on your own, contact Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization within IRS.

What to do next

  • Write down the date on the letter today.
  • Look the number up on irs.gov yourself. Don’t trust a link or phone number from anyone else.
  • If it says you owe money or proposes changes to your return, take it to a licensed CPA, EA or tax attorney before that date.

Not advice. Not a filing. Verify with a licensed professional. Rules change by year and facts.

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