Segal, Cohen & Landis, P.C.
Remove IRS Passport Restrictions Before They Ground You
IRS tax attorneys — Beverly Hills, CA. National representation.
The IRS has the authority to certify seriously delinquent tax debt to the State Department, which can then deny, revoke, or refuse to renew your U.S. passport. A 'seriously delinquent' tax debt currently means more than $62,000 (adjusted annually for inflation) in federal tax debt for which a Notice of Federal Tax Lien has been filed or levy action has been taken. If you've received a CP508C notice from the IRS informing you of passport certification, or if you've been denied a passport or renewal because of IRS debt, time is critical — especially if you need to travel. At Segal, Cohen & Landis, we handle passport restriction cases urgently, because travel needs rarely wait for the IRS.
How We Help
Our Approach to IRS Passport Restriction Removal Attorney
Immediate Resolution Assessment
We analyze your IRS account to determine the fastest available path to decertification — payment in full, OIC submission, installment agreement, CNC status, or challenging the certification itself.
Expedited IRS Action
Once a resolution action is taken, the IRS has 30 days to decertify and notify the State Department. We pursue expedited decertification when travel is time-sensitive, and work directly with the IRS to ensure the process moves as quickly as possible.
Challenging the Certification
Not all passport certifications are proper. We review whether the IRS followed required procedures, whether the debt amount is correct, and whether applicable exclusions apply — hardship, installment agreement, OIC pending, innocent spouse claim, or identity theft.
Emergency Passport Applications
In urgent travel situations (medical emergencies, death of a family member abroad), we work with State Department procedures for emergency travel documents while simultaneously resolving the underlying IRS certification.
How It Works
The Resolution Process
CP508C Notice Review
We review the passport certification notice and your IRS account transcripts to understand exactly what is certified and why.
Resolution Path Selection
We identify the fastest path to decertification — whether that's a payment arrangement, OIC submission, CNC documentation, or challenge to the certification.
IRS Action
We execute the resolution strategy — filing the appropriate agreements, payments, or challenges — and track the decertification timeline.
State Department Notification
Once the IRS decertifies, we follow up to confirm State Department has been notified so your passport application can proceed.
Ready to Resolve Your Tax Problem?
Our attorneys have helped thousands of clients resolve IRS matters. Your consultation is free and confidential.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much IRS debt triggers passport certification?+
Currently $62,000 (2024–2025 threshold, adjusted annually for inflation). The debt must also have a filed Notice of Federal Tax Lien or a levy issued.
How quickly can the IRS reverse a passport certification?+
Once a qualifying collection action is taken (installment agreement approved, OIC pending, payment in full), the IRS is required to reverse the certification within 30 days. We push for expedited processing when travel is imminent.
Can I still renew my passport if I have an IRS payment plan?+
Yes — entering into an IRS installment agreement qualifies for decertification. The IRS must reverse the certification within 30 days of the agreement being in effect.
My passport was denied — what do I do first?+
Call us immediately. We assess whether an emergency passport can be obtained for urgent travel, and simultaneously begin the IRS resolution process. Waiting makes both problems worse.
Beverly Hills · Los Angeles · National
Segal, Cohen & Landis, P.C.
9100 Wilshire Boulevard, 601 East Tower, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Free Confidential Consultation