If you live or do business in Plantation, FL and have received a CP504 Notice of Intent to Levy, the IRS is preparing to seize your bank accounts, wages, or other assets. That can be a scary situation—but you still have options. In this article, we’ll cover the basic “what to do next” without giving away every technical detail. Understanding these high-level steps will help you see why working with Polaris Tax & Accounting is the fastest, most reliable way to prevent a levy and protect your assets.

What Is a CP504 Notice?

  • Definition: A CP504 is the IRS’s formal “Notice of Intent to Levy”—meaning they believe you owe back taxes and intend to seize property if you do not act.

  • Why You Received It: In most cases, a CP504 follows earlier notices (such as a CP2000 or CP14) that informed you of a balance due. If those notices went unanswered or unresolved, the IRS escalated to CP504, signaling that the clock is ticking on a potential levy.

Key Point: Receiving a CP504 does not yet grant full “Collection Due Process” (CDP) appeal rights—that only occurs if the IRS issues a final levy notice. However, a CP504 does open a narrow window to dispute or delay action before assets can be seized.

High-Level Steps to Protect Yourself (Without All the “How-To” Details)

Below is a simplified roadmap—enough so you know what’s required, but not so detailed that it becomes a DIY guide. If you’d rather have an expert handle these steps, skip to the final section and call Polaris.

Step A. Verify Your IRS Balance

  • Why: Mistakes happen. Sometimes the IRS hasn’t applied recent payments, credits, or filed amendments to your account. Before taking any further action, you need to make sure the balance on the CP504 matches what you actually owe.

  • What to Do (Overview): Order an IRS Account Transcript (either online or by mail) and review the balance for the specific tax year in question. Confirm whether any payments or credits you expected to see are properly reflected. If you identify a discrepancy—such as a payment you mailed that isn’t showing up—it must be resolved first, because you cannot appeal a CP504 on an amount you do not actually owe.

Step B. Open a Collection Appeal Request (CAP)

  • Why: Filing a CAP (Collection Appeals Program) request will temporarily halt any levy activity. Once the IRS receives your CAP request, they are prohibited from seizing your assets until the appeal is resolved.

  • What It Involves (Overview):

    1. Drafting a concise CAP request that explains why you believe the IRS is in error or why additional time is needed to resolve.

    2. Submitting just enough supporting documentation—such as proof of a recently filed amendment or a bank statement—so the IRS recognizes there is a legitimate dispute without seeing every detail of your finances.

  • Why Call Polaris: We manage all CAP paperwork for you—making sure it is submitted on time, worded precisely, and backed by the right documentation so that the IRS cannot dismiss it for a technicality.

Step C. Plan for a Longer-Term Resolution

  • Why: A CAP appeal only preserves your status temporarily; it does not resolve the underlying tax debt. To prevent a future levy, you must either pay the balance in full, arrange an Installment Agreement, or, if your financial situation requires it, pursue an Offer in Compromise (OIC) or obtain Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status.

  • Key Options (Overview):

    1. Installment Agreement (IA): If you can afford to pay a set amount each month, an IA typically keeps the IRS from levying your assets—provided you stay current on your payments.

    2. Offer in Compromise (OIC): If your financial circumstances are such that you truly cannot pay the full amount, you may qualify to settle for less than the total owed.

    3. Currently Not Collectible (CNC): If your living expenses exceed your income, the IRS may suspend collection efforts temporarily. CNC does not eliminate the debt—interest and penalties will continue to accrue—so this is usually a short‐term measure until your financial situation improves.

  • Note: Each path requires carefully prepared financial documentation. If your paperwork is incomplete or incorrectly formatted, the IRS may reject your request and proceed with a levy.

Why Polaris Is Essential for CP504 Cases in Plantation

Instead of trying to figure out each IRS form, deadline, and technical nuance on your own, Polaris Tax & Accounting brings critical advantages:

  1. Deadline Management

    • CP504 appeals must generally be filed within 30 days of the notice. We track that deadline for you—so you never risk filing too late.

  2. Selective Documentation

    • We review your account transcript, identify the fewest but most critical documents (for example, proof of a recent amended return), and bundle them into a focused submission that convinces the IRS there is a legitimate dispute—without overwhelming them with unnecessary paperwork.

  3. Precise, Effective Language

    • The IRS expects CAP requests to follow a specific tone and format. Too much technical detail can confuse or backfire; too little can lead to a rejection. We know exactly how to craft a request that compels the IRS to take your appeal seriously while preserving your broader case strategy.

  4. Real­Time Follow ­Up & Escalation

    • Once your CAP request is submitted, we monitor IRS systems daily. If the IRS attempts to slip a levy through behind the scenes, we immediately execute our escalation protocols—such as contacting IRS priority services or engaging the Taxpayer Advocate Service—to keep your assets safe.

  5. Seamless Transition to Long­ Term Resolution

    • If an Installment Agreement or Offer in Compromise is the right path, we handle every step: preparing and submitting the necessary forms, negotiating terms on your behalf, and ensuring the IRS remains cooperative—so you never have to wrestle with IRS paperwork again.

Next Steps: How to Get Polaris’s Help Today

  1. Book a Free “Notice Review” Consultation

    • In a brief, no­-obligation call, we’ll review your CP504 notice (and any related IRS correspondence) and advise you on exactly what must happen next—and why Polaris is the most reliable way to protect your assets.

  2. Send Us Your Notice & Transcript

    • Email a scanned copy of your CP504 notice (and any recent IRS account transcript) to support@polaristaxandaccounting.com. We’ll verify the key details and get you scheduled immediately.

  3. Receive a Customized “Stay & Resolve” Plan

    • We’ll outline a tailored strategy—whether a CAP filing, IA negotiation, or OIC evaluation—provide a clear fee estimate, and manage every step forward, from initial appeal through final resolution.

Ready to avoid an IRS levy?
Call Polaris Tax & Accounting at (954) 423­-3577 to schedule your consultation.

Or schedule a consultation online