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IRS NOTICES

What is an IRS CP90 notice?

SHORT ANSWER

A CP90 is a Final Notice of Intent to Levy — the IRS plans to seize assets, including federal payments, and you have 30 days to request a Collection Due Process hearing.

A CP90 sits at the same severity level as the LT11: a final notice that the IRS intends to levy your assets — which can include wages, bank accounts, and federal payments like Social Security benefits. Like other final notices, it activates your right to a Collection Due Process hearing if you request one within 30 days, which generally pauses the levy while alternatives are considered. This is the point where doing nothing has immediate, tangible consequences. Pay, arrange a plan, or invoke your hearing rights — but act inside the 30 days.

What to do, in order

  1. Mark the 30-day deadline from the notice date.
  2. Verify the balance and which assets are at risk.
  3. Request a CDP hearing (Form 12153) if you dispute or need alternatives.
  4. Or resolve directly: pay, installment agreement, or hardship status.
  5. Respond in some form — silence leads to levy.

Common questions

Can the IRS levy my Social Security benefits?

A portion of Social Security benefits can be levied for unpaid federal taxes — one reason a CP90 must be taken seriously and answered promptly.

What’s the difference between a CP90 and an LT11?

They serve the same function — a final notice of intent to levy with CDP hearing rights — issued through different IRS channels.

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Main AI explains documents and general legal rights in clear terms. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Laws vary by state and change over time — verify specifics for your jurisdiction, and consult a licensed professional for advice on your situation.