Guides
Plain-English explanations of the rules that got you here — every rule carries an as-of date and a confidence label, and nothing promises outcomes.
What is a CP523 notice? Intent to terminate your installment agreement
CP523 is the IRS notice of intent to terminate your installment agreement and levy your assets. What it means, the 30-day window, and your options.
Updated 2026-09 · as of 2026-09
How the IRS applies your payments: oldest year first (the allocation trap)
IRS payments post to the oldest tax year first, then tax → penalty → interest within a year. How that defaults multi-year installment agreements and what to do.
Updated 2026-09 · as of 2026-09
From CP523 to levy: the collection timeline, honestly explained
What happens after a CP523: termination, final intent-to-levy letters (LT11/L1058), levies and refund offsets — and the windows where you can still act.
Updated 2026-09 · as of 2026-09
First-Time Abatement (FTA): the penalty forgiveness most people never request
FTA removes failure-to-file/failure-to-pay penalties if the prior 3 years were clean. Eligibility criteria, what it doesn't do (interest), and how to request it.
Updated 2026-09 · as of 2026-09