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Tax Trouble That Travels With You
Planning an international vacation, studying abroad, or traveling for business? That may come to a halt if the IRS has flagged you as seriously delinquent on your taxes. The CP508C Notice is your warning — and it’s not just a letter you can ignore.
This notice can jeopardize your freedom to travel by triggering action from the U.S. State Department to revoke, deny, or restrict your U.S. passport.
What Is IRS Notice CP508C?
CP508C is an official IRS notice informing you that your tax debt has exceeded $62,000 (including penalties and interest), and the agency has reported this to the U.S. State Department.
According to IRS policy, this qualifies as "seriously delinquent tax debt" and makes you ineligible to receive or renew a passport. If you’re already abroad, this could even prevent your return to the U.S.
Consequences of a CP508C Notice
Once reported, you risk:
- Denial of a passport application or renewal
- Revocation of your current passport
- Being stranded abroad without the ability to travel
- Disruption to work-related international travel
- Cancelled trips and lost bookings
There is no automatic reinstatement — even if you pay your debt later, the IRS must formally reverse the certification before the State Department acts.
What You Should Do Immediately
If you’ve received a CP508C Notice, take action fast:
- Read the Notice Carefully
Confirm the total tax debt and the certified date of notification. - Pay Down Your Tax Debt
The IRS will remove your certification if you reduce your total balance below $62,000. - Enter a Tax Resolution Program
Options include:- Installment Agreement (monthly payments)
- Offer in Compromise (settle for less)
- Currently Not Collectible status (temporary relief)
- Installment Agreement (monthly payments)
- Contact a Tax Relief Professional
The right representation can fast-track resolution, protect your passport, and negotiate favorable terms.
How Priority Tax Relief Can Help
We understand the urgency. Passport issues are not just financial — they affect your freedom, safety, and livelihood. Here’s how we step in:
- Immediate IRS communication on your behalf
- Negotiate payment options or relief programs
- Accelerate reversal of certification so your passport is safe
- Prevent future travel restrictions and further penalties
“I was shocked to learn my passport was at risk. Priority Tax Relief acted fast to resolve my tax issues, and I was able to travel as planned.” — Maria S.
Frequently Asked Questions: Protecting Your Passport from IRS Actions
What is a “seriously delinquent tax debt”?
It’s a tax debt of $62,000 or more (including interest and penalties) that has been officially certified by the IRS to the U.S. State Department.
Will the IRS automatically notify the State Department if I owe that much?
Yes, once your debt hits the threshold and qualifies as collectible (not under dispute or appeal), the IRS will issue CP508C and notify the State Department.
Can the State Department revoke my existing passport?
Yes. In certain cases, they can revoke your current passport, especially if you apply for renewal while still certified.
What if I’m already traveling abroad when I receive the notice?
You may face difficulties re-entering the U.S. or renewing a passport while abroad. Resolving the tax debt quickly is essential to avoid becoming stranded.
How do I remove the IRS passport certification?
You must either fully pay the debt or enter into a valid resolution agreement (like an Installment Agreement). The IRS will then notify the State Department to remove the restriction.
How long does it take to reinstate my passport after resolving the debt?
Once the IRS reverses your certification, it can take up to 30 days for the State Department to update your status — so act quickly.
