What is an IRS LT11 / Letter 1058 notice?
LT11 (also known as Letter 1058) is the Final Notice of Intent to Levy. It is the last letter the IRS is legally required to send before they begin seizing your assets.
The notice tells you:
- The IRS is about to levy your property (bank accounts, wages, real estate).
- You have a right to request a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing within 30 days.
Why you received it
You received LT11 because you have ignored all previous notices (CP14, CP501, CP503, CP504) and the IRS is now moving to forced collection.
What to do โ your 30-day action plan
Step 1: Read the notice carefully and confirm the amount
Verify the tax year, the balance owed, and the deadline. CP14s have been sent in error before โ but rarely. Don't assume; confirm.
Step 2: Choose a response path
You have five practical options within the 30-day window:
| Option | When it's the right move |
|---|---|
| Pay in full | You have the cash. This stops everything immediately. |
| Installment Agreement | You can pay, just not all at once. Sets up monthly payments and pauses the levy. |
| Offer in Compromise | You genuinely can't pay the full amount. Settles for less. |
| Currently Not Collectible | You're in financial hardship. IRS pauses all collection. |
| Request a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing | You want to formally challenge the levy. Must be filed within the 30-day window. |
Step 3: File any unfiled returns
The IRS will reject any resolution request โ installment, OIC, CNC โ until every required return is on file. If you have unfiled returns from prior years, this is the bottleneck.
Step 4: Submit your chosen response in writing
Verbal agreements with IRS phone agents are not enforceable. Whatever you set up โ installment plan, OIC, CDP hearing โ needs to be on the record in writing, with confirmation.
Step 5: Document everything
Keep copies of the CP14, your response, certified mail receipts, and any IRS confirmation letters. If anything goes sideways later, this paper trail is what protects you.
What NOT to do
- Don't ignore it. The IRS does not bluff with CP14. After 30 days, your state refund is gone, and LT11 is on its way.
- Don't drain your bank account in panic. Withdrawing or hiding funds doesn't help โ it can be reversed by levy and may trigger fraud allegations.
- Don't call the IRS without preparation. Anything you say is recorded. Going in without a strategy can lock you into terms that hurt you.
- Don't agree to a payment plan you can't afford. Defaulting on an installment agreement restarts collection โ and it's much harder to negotiate the second time.
- Don't trust calls or emails claiming to be from the IRS. The IRS will never demand payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Real CP14s come by certified mail only.
What comes after LT11 / Letter 1058 if you don't respond
- After 30 days: The IRS will begin issuing levies to your employer (wage garnishment) and your bank.
- Asset Seizure: They can seize vehicles, real estate, and business assets.
- Tax Lien: A Notice of Federal Tax Lien will likely be filed if it hasn't been already.
Find the resolution path that fits your situation
If you got a CP14, the right next step depends on your finances. Use the calculator to see which IRS program โ Installment Agreement, Offer in Compromise, or CNC โ fits before the 30-day clock runs out.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing?
A CDP hearing allows you to appeal the IRS collection action. Filing for a CDP hearing within 30 days legally stops the levy while the hearing is pending.
Can I still negotiate a payment plan?
Yes, but time is critical. You must establish a resolution or request a CDP hearing before the 30-day deadline expires to prevent the levy.