If you live in or around Asheville, NC and have received a letter from the IRS, your next move is critical. The IRS doesn’t just send mail for fun—these notices are timed, targeted, and designed to move your case further into collections. Whether you’ve received a CP504, LT11, or another letter, the wrong response—or no response—could lead to levies, liens, or even wage garnishment. But with the right strategy, you can stop the avalanche before it buries you.

In this article, we’ll explain the most common IRS letters residents of Asheville receive, what they mean, and what you should do immediately to protect yourself and your finances.

Why the IRS Sends Notices in the First Place

IRS letters typically follow a pattern. They’re part of the agency’s automated collection system and are triggered by one of a few situations:

  • You have a balance due
  • You didn’t file a required tax return
  • The IRS made a change to your return
  • You’re under audit or review
  • They intend to begin collection actions

Each letter has a specific code (CP504, LT11, CP14, etc.) and timeline. Ignore them too long, and you can lose appeal rights or face aggressive enforcement.

Common IRS Letters Received in Asheville

Here are the most frequent notices we help Asheville clients with at Polaris Tax & Accounting:

CP504 – Final Notice of Intent to Levy

This is one of the last notices before the IRS can levy your assets, including bank accounts and state tax refunds. It’s urgent.

LT11 – Intent to Seize Assets

If you receive an LT11, the IRS is telling you they will seize your property if you don’t respond. You have 30 days to request a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing.

CP14 – Initial Balance Due Notice

This is usually the first letter you’ll get if the IRS believes you owe money. It starts the clock.

CP2000 – Underreporter Notice

This notice tells you the IRS has income documents (like W-2s or 1099s) that weren’t reported on your return.

What Happens If You Do Nothing?

Let’s say you live in South Asheville and toss your CP504 in the recycling bin. What’s the worst that can happen?

  • Bank levies: Your accounts can be frozen and emptied
  • Wage garnishment: Your employer will be legally forced to divert part of your paycheck
  • Tax liens: These damage your credit and can affect your ability to buy a home
  • Passport restrictions: Owing over $62,000 can get your passport revoked

What You Should Do Right Away

  1. Don’t panic—but act fast. These notices are serious but can be resolved.
  2. Save the envelope and letter. The date on the letter affects your legal rights.
  3. Call Polaris Tax & Accounting. We serve clients throughout Buncombe County and beyond, and we’ve helped dozens of Asheville taxpayers stop IRS collections in their tracks.
  4. Know your options:
    • File any missing returns
    • Request a CDP or Equivalent Hearing
    • Apply for an Offer in Compromise (OIC)
    • Set up an IRS installment agreement
    • Request a “Currently Not Collectible” status

Local Case Example

A self-employed woodworker in North Asheville received an LT11 notice about a $38,000 tax bill. He hadn’t filed in three years. We immediately requested a CDP hearing, filed all missing returns, and proved his income had dropped due to medical issues. We negotiated a $150/month payment plan with no levies issued.

Internal Resources to Help You:

Take Control Before They Do

The IRS doesn’t go away on its own. But when you respond quickly—and strategically—you can stop enforcement and often reduce your balance. Polaris Tax & Accounting works directly with Asheville-area taxpayers to resolve IRS issues fast and permanently.

Schedule your confidential consultation today →