Currently Not Collectible
Currently Not Collectible Status: Pause IRS Collection Actions
No Levies. No Garnishments.
The IRS formally halts all collection activity while CNC status is active on your account.
STOPPED
Your Hardship Is on File with the IRS
Your financial situation is officially recognized not ignored, not deferred. Protected.
DOCUMENTED
Collections Stop While We Work
Enforcement halts the moment we take your case and file your hardship documentation.
PROTECTED
David Lawrence
IRS Enrolled Agent - 14 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
IRS Notice Received
CP2000 - $24,500 Balance
Day 1
Agent Assigned
David Lawrence taking over
Day 1
IRS Contacted On Your Behalf
Collections Halted - Case Under Review
Day 1
Maria Bennett
Tax Resolution Specialist · 11 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
Wage Garnishment Stopped
Employer Hold Request Submitted
Day 1
Financial Review Completed
Income & Expense Analysis Approved
Day 2
IRS Payment Plan Initiated
Installment Agreement Under Review
Day 3
James Holloway
IRS Resolution Attorney · 16 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
Final IRS Notice Reviewed
CP504 & Collection Warnings Assessed
Day 1
Power Of Attorney Filed
IRS Communication Redirected
Day 1
Resolution Strategy Prepared
Offer In Compromise Evaluation Started
Day 2
What happens when IRS tax debt is ignored
The IRS Doesn't Stop. It Escalates.
If you feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. Start with the situation that matches what is happening right now, and you will land on the right next step.
The First Notice Arrives
CP14 or CP2000 in your mailbox. Most ignore it. This is your best window to act.
act now
Follow Up Notices Begin
Penalties compound daily. Every month of inaction costs you more.
escalating
Final Notice of Intent to Levy
Last warning before enforcement. The IRS can now legally seize your wages and accounts.
critical
Enforcement Begins
Wage garnishment or bank levy issued. Your employer and bank notified directly.
urgent
You Call Us, We Step In
Your enrolled agent takes over immediately. Collections halted. We handle everything.
Protected
Tax relief is possible
Speak to a tax resolution expert today.
What Currently Not Collectible Actually Means
What Most People Believe About CNC Is Usually Wrong
The IRS has built-in programs for people who can’t pay. Currently Not Collectible is one of the most misunderstood. Most taxpayers who qualify never apply.
Common Myth
"If I can't pay, the IRS will just keep taking from me no matter what."
"Once the IRS starts collecting, there's nothing I can do."
"CNC means the IRS forgives my debt."
"I can't afford a tax professional so I have to handle this myself."
The Reality
CNC status legally pauses all collection activity no levies, no garnishments, no seizures while your hardship is documented on file.
Collections can be halted at any stage, even after a levy or garnishment has already been issued.
CNC pauses collection it does not erase the balance. It buys you time while your situation stabilizes.
We handle the entire process end to end with flexible payment options. A free consultation costs you nothing.
Ready to find out if CNC applies to your case?
Free consultation • No obligation • confidential
Do you qualify?
Find out Today
Two quick question. Then see your options.
Your Options
Find the Right IRS Resolution Program for Your Situation
Offer in Compromise
Can't pay in full
Tax debt is stressful, and tax relief is a serious decision. Our approach is built around clear communication, realistic options, and steady progress, so you understand what is happening and why.
Best for you if
You owe more than you can realistically ever pay back and your income and assets are limited.
Typical Timeline
6 to 12 months from application to IRS decision. Collections paused during review.
Installment Agreement
Pay over time
A structured monthly payment plan negotiated directly with the IRS. Stops collection pressure while giving you a clear, manageable path to resolve your tax balance over an agreed period.
Best for you if
You can afford to pay your debt over time but need a structured plan that stops IRS enforcement.
Typical Timeline
30 to 90 days to set up. Payments begin immediately once approved by the IRS.
Currently Not Collectible
Pause collections
If paying your tax debt would create serious financial hardship, the IRS can temporarily halt all collection activity, no levies, no garnishments, no calls, while your financial situation is reassessed.
Best for you if
You have no ability to pay right now due to hardship, unemployment, or essential living expenses.
Typical Timeline
Can be granted quickly. Status is reviewed periodically by the IRS as your situation changes.
Penalty Abatement
Reduce penalties
IRS penalties added to your debt can be removed or reduced if you meet eligibility criteria. Often granted for first-time compliance issues or reasonable cause. Reduces your total balance without affecting the underlying tax.
Best for you if
Your balance has grown significantly due to penalties and interest and you have a history of compliance.
Typical Timeline
Response from IRS typically within 30 to 60 days of submission. Can be requested by phone or letter.
Innocent Spouse Relief
Remove liability
If your spouse or former spouse created a tax liability without your knowledge or consent, you may be able to remove yourself from that debt entirely using the IRS Innocent Spouse Relief program.
Best for you if
You filed jointly with a spouse who understated income or claimed improper deductions without your knowledge.
Typical Timeline
6 months or more depending on complexity. An enrolled agent handles all IRS communication.
None of These Feel Like a Fit?
Let's figure it out together
Every tax situation is different. If none of the above programs feel like a clear fit, an enrolled agent will review your full case, identify every option the IRS offers, and tell you honestly what applies at no cost to you.
Best for you if
Anyone unsure of their options or whose situation feels too complicated to fit a single program.
Typical Timeline
Your free case review typically takes 30 minutes. No paperwork needed to get started.
Results
Real cases.
Real outcomes.
Our client outcomes
Our process
What happens after you call us
Case Review
You call or submit your details. An enrolled agent reviews your full financial situation income, expenses, assets to confirm whether Currently Not Collectible is the right path. No paperwork. No commitment.
We Take Over
Your agent contacts the IRS, halts active collections, and prepares your Form 433 with complete supporting documentation. You do not speak to the IRS at any point.
CNC Granted
We submit your application, handle every IRS contact, and confirm your status in writing. Then we explain what comes next how long CNC typically holds, and what your long-term resolution options look like.
Why tax hardship center
Not just another tax relief company
IRS EA
Enrolled Agents
Federally licensed to represent you directly before the IRS, not just advisors
A+
BBB Rated
Accredited by the Better Business Bureau, verifiable, independent rating
50
States Licensed
Licensed to practice and represent clients in every state,federal and state tax issues
10,000+
Cases Resolved
Over a decade of resolving IRS and state tax cases across all 50 states
$0
Risk to You
We help you successfully resolve you case
2012
Established
Over a decade of experience, not a pop-up firm, a proven practice with a long track record
Ready to work with a team that handles everything from first call to CNC approval?
Testimonials
Trusted help, With Clear Communication
When you are dealing with the IRS, you need clarity and follow through, not vague promises. We focus on realistic options, straightforward communication, and a structured path from first call to resolution.
I review a lot of businesses. I am fair and want to provide information for people who genuinely are looking at a business to use for themselves. Regarding doing business with the Tax Hardship Center, it’s too good to be true but WOW. They helped me so much. I felt like I was out of a 10-year prison at the end. The feeling I had after they worked out all the issues I had with back tax penalties, etc., was just such a relief.
Special thanks to: Josh Bensimhon, Senior Tax Analyst, my first impression on the phone. After 2 months of searching, he was the first person that put me at ease. Jessy Zhu, Tax Preparer, for the speed and accuracy of getting the electronic form filled in and filed. Leslie Welch, Tax Preparation Associate, who clearly and precisely explained what my role was and the timeline I was on.
Gary M.
May 29th, 2024
G
Honestly I was really skeptical about getting involved with a company that deals with tax debts. After going down the tax debt resolution rabbit hole I saw so many horror stories other worrisome things, but I needed help.. badly. I got a notice of intent to levy and I knew if I did nothing my life would basically be over so I took a chance and prayed for the best.
I’m glad I did because it worked out better than I ever could have expected. Jeremy helped me understand my options and made the plan as well as the fees easy to understand and straight forward.
It ended up getting resolved better than I could have hoped for and I can finally sleep again.
I’m grateful to Jeremy, Kimberly, and the rest of my team. Thank you Tax Hardship Center
A F.
May 28, 2025
A
If you have unresolved tax issues, this is the company work with – I had a stellar experience and my tax issues were resolved in a much shorter time period than I had anticipated. Sarah, Alex and Clay were absolutely wonderful. All calls were returned promptly and they took the time to answer all questions I had. I very much appreciate their patience.
Katherine Hess was my case manager and she was absolutely wonderful to work with-she too answered all calls promptly and stayed in close contact every step of the way and her kindness, professionalism and patience were very much appreciated. I cannot recommend this company enough. If you have unresolved tax issues this is the company to work with-they go above and beyond for their clients!
Linda Little
Sep 20, 2025
L
I didn’t know if Tax Hardship could help me. I hadn’t filed tax returns in years and the IRS was sending me bills so I got scared and buried my head in the sand. I knew I had to do something about it when the letters started coming more frequently and seemed to be getting more aggressive. I decided to hire Tax Hardship and they were incredible.
My tax prepares got my returns filed quickly and the resolution team was a God send! They kept me updated throughout the process and answered all my questions. I’m now in “good standing” with the IRS
Alice P
June 06, 2026
A
20+ years of tax relief services.
Serving clients nationwide in all 50 states
Learn More
Resources to Understand Currently Not Collectible
If you are still learning, these topics can help you avoid common mistakes and understand your options.
Ignoring a missed IRS payment plan payment doesn’t make the notice disappear....
You owe the IRS money you don’t have sitting in your account,...
You set up a payment plan with the IRS, breathed easier, and...
One Last Thing
Every Day Without CNC Status Costs You More
Penalties and interest compound daily. IRS enforcement does not pause on its own. The longer your case goes unresolved, the fewer options you have and the higher your balance grows. Take the first step today. It costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
No obligation – IRS enrolled agents – BBB A+ Rated
Frequently asked questions
Questions People Ask before they call us
Honest answers to the most common questions about Currently Not Collectible status
Does CNC status show up on my credit report?
No, CNC status itself is not reported to credit bureaus. However, if the IRS filed a federal tax lien before your CNC status was approved, that lien may still appear in public records. CNC stops collections, but it does not automatically remove existing liens.
Can I apply for CNC if I have unfiled tax returns?
Usually not. The IRS generally requires all required tax returns to be filed before considering a CNC request. If you have missing returns, those will typically need to be addressed first before moving forward with hardship status.
How long does CNC status last?
There is no set expiration date. The IRS may periodically review your financial situation to determine whether you still qualify. As long as your hardship continues, your CNC status may remain in place.
Will the IRS contact me while I am in CNC status?
You may still receive IRS notices, including balance updates and account statements. However, active collection actions such as wage garnishments and bank levies are generally paused. If you receive a notice, it is important to review it rather than assume it can be ignored.
What happens if the IRS denies my CNC application?
A denial does not mean you are out of options. It simply means the IRS believes you may have some ability to pay based on the information provided. Other relief programs may still be available depending on your financial circumstances.
Does CNC wipe out my tax debt?
No. CNC status does not reduce or eliminate your tax debt. It temporarily pauses IRS collection efforts while you are experiencing financial hardship, but the balance remains on your account.
How is CNC different from an Offer in Compromise?
CNC status pauses collections because you cannot currently afford to pay. An Offer in Compromise is a separate program that may allow eligible taxpayers to settle their debt for less than the full amount owed. One provides temporary relief, while the other seeks a permanent resolution.
Do I have to deal with the IRS myself during a CNC application?
No. If you work with a qualified tax professional, they can handle communications with the IRS, prepare the required financial information, and guide the application process on your behalf. That can make the process much less stressful and easier to navigate.