The IRS generally has ten years to collect your tax debt from the time the tax is assessed.  This period can be extended if certain events take place that toll the statute of limitations of tax debt collection.

The Collections Statute Expiration Date (CSED)

The CSED is the date your tax debt officially expires.  Once that occurs, the tax debt is no longer legally enforceable.

The CSED is generally ten years from the date of tax assessment.  Tax is considered assessed when you file a return or when a deficiency assessment is made.

Events That Extend Your CSED

Your CSED will be extended whenever an event occurs that temporarily prevents the IRS from collecting your tax debt.  This could include any of the following actions:

• Submitting an installment agreement request or Offer in Compromise
• Declaring bankruptcy
• Requesting a Collection Due Process hearing
• Requesting innocent spouse relief
• Living overseas for six consecutive months

All of these periods will be tacked on to extend your CSED.

Determining Your CSEDs

If you owe taxes for multiple years, the tax debt for each period will have its own CSED.  You can determine all of your CSEDs by having a tax attorney request your tax transcripts from the IRS.

If any of your CSEDs have passed, the IRS won’t be able to seek collection of the tax debt for those periods.

What to Do if Your CSED Is Approaching

The IRS may become more aggressive in collecting the tax debt if your CSED is approaching.  If you have assets or wages that can be seized, expect the IRS to consider issuing a tax levy.

You have the option to negotiate an installment agreement, submit an Offer in Compromise, or simply wait out the statute of limitations.  Your best option will depend on your unique circumstances.

Contact an Attorney

Get help with IRS tax debt by calling Ayar Law at 800-571-7175 for a free case review.