VALID › Notice Library › CP298 notice

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

CP298 notice explained, in the IRS’s own words

We are notifying you of our intent to levy up to 15% of your social security benefits for unpaid taxes.

Read the full CP298 page on irs.gov ↗

Quoted from www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-cp298-notice, read October 15, 2026 · fingerprint 72e1466b943b

What this notice is about

We are notifying you of our intent to levy up to 15% of your social security benefits for unpaid taxes.

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 PDF, to allow someone (such as an accountant) to contact us on your behalf.

Should I contact the Social Security Administration (SSA)?

No, contact the number listed on the notice. The SSA can't stop the levy or assist you in resolving the tax issue.

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

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

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.

Related CP notices

Free · one field

Get your January tax-season checklist

One email in January with what changed for this tax season, what papers to gather, and when to bring in a licensed CPA. Then about once a month, when new checked rules open.

By joining you agree to emails about VALID, about one a month. Unsubscribe any time. We never ask for tax information. Privacy

Ask VALID