You can get a passport if you owe back taxes, depending on how much you owe. The IRS and State Department work together to enforce tax collection laws, which can impact your passport status. If your tax debt is high enough, your application could be denied—or even your existing passport revoked.
The IRS can certify “seriously delinquent tax debt” under the FAST Act, which allows the State Department to take action. This article covers when unpaid taxes affect passport eligibility, what to do if you receive a CP508C notice, and how to prevent travel restrictions.
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Tax debt and passport eligibility
Owing back taxes doesn’t automatically stop you from getting a passport, but serious unpaid debt can. The IRS has the authority to report seriously delinquent tax debt to the U.S. State Department, which can then deny or revoke a passport.
This only happens when a taxpayer’s balance exceeds a certain amount and remains unresolved.
How much do you have to owe the IRS to be denied a passport?
The IRS defines seriously delinquent tax debt as an unpaid balance exceeding $64,000, including interest and penalties. This threshold is adjusted annually for inflation.
It’s important to note that the total amount includes not just the original tax bill but also any penalties and accumulated interest. If your balance reaches this level without an IRS-approved resolution, your passport could be denied or revoked.
What disqualifies you from getting a passport?
You can be denied a passport because of debt if the IRS certifies you as having seriously delinquent tax debt. This happens when:
- Your total unpaid balance exceeds the IRS threshold (adjusted annually).
- The IRS has issued a CP508C notice, formally notifying you of the certification.
- You haven’t set up a payment plan, Offer in Compromise, or other IRS-approved resolution.
Other obligations can also impact passport eligibility. If you have $2,500 or more in unpaid child support, your passport application may be rejected. Legal issues—like active arrest warrants—can also lead to a denial. However, the focus of this article is on taxes.
IRS passport revocation and denial
The IRS can take action against taxpayers with seriously delinquent tax debt by certifying their debt to the U.S. State Department. Once certified, the State Department can deny a passport application or renewal or revoke a passport, preventing further international travel.
The IRS does not directly take passports away, but the State Department can invalidate them for international travel. However, these restrictions are not immediate—there is time to resolve the debt before losing passport privileges.
Not all tax debt leads to passport issues. The IRS only certifies cases where the debt exceeds a set threshold, remains unpaid, and has not been resolved through a payment agreement or another approved option.
Can you renew your passport if you owe taxes?
You can renew your passport if you owe taxes unless the IRS has certified it as seriously delinquent. If you receive a CP508C notice, the State Department will deny your renewal request. To regain eligibility, you must pay the balance, set up a payment plan, or seek other IRS-approved relief.
Can you travel if you owe taxes?
Owing taxes does not automatically prevent travel. However, if the IRS certifies your debt, the State Department may revoke your passport or deny renewal. In limited cases, a restricted passport may be issued for return travel to the U.S., but unrestricted international travel would not be allowed.
Having your passport denied or revoked can seriously impact travel plans such as:
- Traveling for work: If your job requires international travel and your passport is at risk due to tax debt, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly. The IRS provides a 90-day window after certification for taxpayers to resolve their debts before the State Department takes action.
- Family emergencies: In urgent situations, such as a family emergency abroad, having your passport revoked can be particularly distressing. To prevent this type of situation, it’s advisable to contact the IRS immediately upon receiving a CP508C notice to discuss potential resolutions.
- Indefinite travel: Unresolved tax debts can pose challenges for those planning extended or indefinite travel. Without a valid passport, re-entry into the U.S. or continued travel may be compromised. Proactively resolving your tax issues can help you maintain your travel freedom.
Addressing any significant tax debts before they escalate to the point of affecting passport status is essential to avoid travel disruptions.
Can you get a passport if you haven’t filed taxes?
Not filing taxes does not immediately block a passport. However, if unfiled returns lead to an IRS tax assessment exceeding the seriously delinquent threshold, you could face restrictions. Filing missing returns and resolving any tax debt helps prevent passport-related issues.
Exceptions: When owing taxes won’t block your passport
Not everyone who owes taxes faces passport restrictions. The IRS only certifies debts as seriously delinquent if they exceed a certain threshold and remain unresolved. If you have an active agreement or legal status protecting you from collection, your passport is not at risk.
Below are common situations where owing taxes won’t result in a denied or revoked passport.
You have an IRS payment plan
If you’re on an IRS-approved installment agreement, your passport remains safe. As long as you make timely payments, the IRS won’t certify your debt as seriously delinquent. Setting up an IRS payment plan can help you stay in compliance while avoiding travel restrictions.
You have an OIC
An Offer in Compromise (OIC) allows taxpayers to settle their debt with the IRS for less than they owe. If the IRS accepts your OIC or you have a pending application, your tax debt is not considered seriously delinquent.
This means you can still apply for or renew your passport while the IRS reviews your case.
You filed for bankruptcy
If you are in active bankruptcy, the IRS cannot certify your debt for passport restrictions. Bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay, which temporarily halts IRS collection efforts, including tax liens and levies. This protection remains in place while your bankruptcy case is pending.
Your account is classified as currently not collectible
If you’re facing financial hardship, the IRS may classify your account as being “Currently Not Collectible” (CNC). This status temporarily stops collection efforts, meaning your debt won’t be certified as seriously delinquent.
You live in a federally declared disaster area
If you live in a federally declared disaster zone, the IRS may postpone collection actions, including passport-related certifications. Relief is typically automatic for those in affected areas, but it’s always best to check IRS guidance for your specific situation.
The best thing to do if you’re facing unpaid taxes that could lead to passport restrictions is to first reach out to the IRS to find out what options are available for a payment plan. Or, if the amount owed would cause a hardship, you can see whether you’re eligible for an Offer in Compromise from the IRS. There are tax professionals that can help you through this process if it is too intimidating for you.
What to do if you receive a CP508C notice
Receiving a CP508C notice means the IRS has classified your tax debt as seriously delinquent and reported it to the State Department. This can lead to a denied passport application, renewal, or even revocation. Contacting the IRS quickly is key to preventing travel restrictions.
If you’ve received a CP508C notice, here’s what to do next:
- Verify the details. Check the debt amount is correct. If there’s an error, contact the IRS immediately to dispute it.
- Resolve the debt. Paying in full removes the certification fastest, but setting up an installment plan or Offer in Compromise can also protect your passport.
- Follow up with the IRS. Once the debt is resolved, the IRS usually removes the certification within 30 days and notifies the State Department.
If you’re unable to pay the full amount or need help navigating your options, a tax professional can offer back tax help. A tax relief company may be a good option if you’re struggling to pay or unsure of the best resolution.
These firms specialize in negotiating with the IRS, helping taxpayers set up manageable payment plans, reduce their tax liability, or stop aggressive collection actions. If dealing with the IRS feels overwhelming, a well-respected tax relief company can provide expert guidance.
For example, Anthem Tax Services is a well-rated firm specializing in negotiating settlements, stopping collections, and setting up agreements.
Prevention is key. Work with a tax professional or a financial advisor who can help you complete a tax projection for your personal and business taxes going forward. This allows you to make adjustments on the front end of the year by adjusting withholding, or setting aside additional funds from any lump sum payments you’re expected to receive such as from bonuses or equity compensation payouts.
Ignoring tax debt can lead to serious consequences, including passport restrictions. If you owe back taxes, the best way to avoid issues is to stay proactive—file on time, communicate with the IRS, and set up a payment plan if needed.
If you receive a CP508C notice, act quickly to resolve it. Taking steps now can protect your travel rights and prevent further financial complications.
FAQ
Can a debt collector (non-IRS) cause passport denial?
No—private or commercial debts do not typically trigger passport denial. The authority to deny or revoke a passport because of unpaid balances mainly applies to federal tax debts or significant child support arrears. While a lawsuit or judgment from a private creditor can lead to wage garnishment or other collection actions, it shouldn’t affect your passport status.
That said, it’s wise to monitor all debts, not just those owed to the IRS. Ignoring any financial obligations can lead to legal complications, but a non-IRS debt alone should not directly result in your passport being withheld or revoked.
Can you travel if you owe taxes but haven’t been certified yet?
Yes—owing taxes alone isn’t an automatic barrier to international travel unless the IRS has formally certified you as having a “seriously delinquent tax debt” (currently defined by an outstanding balance above a certain threshold). Until you receive a CP508C notice, which signals that the State Department has been informed of your status, you typically retain the ability to apply for or use your passport.
However, if you know you owe a significant amount, it’s best to be proactive. Arranging a payment plan with the IRS or enlisting the help of a tax resolution firm—Anthem Tax Services earns our “best overall” designation—can help prevent a future certification that would restrict your travel or passport renewal.
What should I do if I’m denied a passport because of debt?
First, confirm whether the denial stems from a certified IRS debt or another enforceable obligation (e.g., child support). If it’s IRS-related, check for a CP508C notice, which alerts you to “seriously delinquent tax debt.” You can resolve the issue by paying your balance in full, entering into an installment agreement, or pursuing an Offer in Compromise if you qualify.
Is IRS passport revocation permanent?
No. Once you resolve or significantly reduce your certified tax debt, the IRS will typically notify the State Department that you are no longer considered seriously delinquent. The revocation or denial status should then be lifted, allowing you to reapply for a passport.
To speed up this reinstatement, work with the IRS to document any payments or approved arrangements, such as an installment agreement. It’s also wise to follow up with both the IRS and the State Department to ensure timely processing of your reinstated passport eligibility.
