IRS Notices After the Government Shutdown: What Taxpayers Need to Know (and How to Protect Yourself Now)
When the federal government shutdown disrupted IRS operations this year, millions of taxpayers were left confused about what it meant for their deadlines, notices, and potential enforcement actions. Now that the government has reopened, many individuals and businesses across the U.S. are discovering new IRS letters in their mailbox — often stacked, delayed, or overlapping.
If you’ve recently received an IRS notice, do not assume the shutdown paused anything. The IRS may have slowed down, but your obligations, deadlines, and rights did not.Whether you live in Colorado or anywhere else in the U.S., here’s what you need to know — and how Advanced Tax Solutions, a nationwide tax relief specialist, can help you protect your finances and your peace of mind.
How the Shutdown Actually Affected IRS Notices
During the shutdown, IRS customer service phone lines, in-person appointments, and much of paper processing were delayed or suspended. But the IRS’s automated systems continued running. That means:1. IRS Notices Continued to Be Generated
Balance-due notices, CP14 letters, reminder notices, and some collection warnings continued to be issued through automated systems.2. Deadlines Were NOT Automatically Extended
IRS deadlines — including the 30-day response window on levy notices or the 90-day window on a Notice of Deficiency — remained legally in place.3. Penalties and Interest Continued to Accrue
Even if the IRS was not fully staffed, interest and penalties on unpaid balances continued to grow.4. Backlogs Created Delays — and Risk
Many taxpayers mailed responses that are now stuck in processing backlogs. The IRS may not update your account right away, even if you responded on time — increasing the risk of unintended enforcement actions.What This Means If You Received an IRS Notice
Whether the notice arrived during the shutdown, shortly after, or even now as backlogs clear, you must take it seriously. Here's why:1. Your Deadline Still Applies
The shutdown did not pause statutory timelines. If the notice says you have 30 days to respond — you still have 30 days.2. Multiple Notices May Arrive at Once
Backlogged systems are now catching up. You might receive:- A reminder notice
- A levy warning
- A demand for payment
— all within days of each other.
3. Automated Collections May Restart Soon
Even if your case was stalled, the IRS can now resume:- Bank account levies
- Wage garnishments
- Federal tax liens
- Passport restrictions (for seriously delinquent tax debt)
4. Your Mailed Response Might Not Be Logged Yet
This is one of the biggest post-shutdown dangers. If your response isn’t processed yet, the IRS may treat it as if you never replied — unless you have proof.What To Do Right Now If You Have an IRS Notice
To protect yourself, take these steps immediately:
1. Read the Notice and Identify the Type
Is it a CP14 (balance due), CP504 (intent to levy), LT11 (final notice of intent to levy), or something else? Each notice triggers different rights.
2. Match It to Your Records
Compare the IRS claim to your tax returns, W-2s, and 1099s. A mismatch could be caused by third-party reporting errors.
3. Don’t Ignore It — Respond Promptly
Even if you believe the IRS made a mistake, ignoring a notice almost always leads to wage garnishments, levies, or liens.
4. Document Everything
If you respond by mail, use certified mail, tracking, and keep copies. This is crucial while backlogs persist.
5. Work With a Tax Resolution Specialist (Not a Basic Tax Preparer)
Handling IRS notices — especially levy warnings or large debts — requires specialized experience, not basic tax filing skills.
Why a Tax Resolution Firm (Not a Tax Preparer or 1-800 Chain) Makes All the Difference
When dealing with IRS notices, choosing the right help can mean the difference between keeping your wages and losing hundreds every pay period.Here’s why Advanced Tax Solutions is different:
Expertise in Tax Debt Resolution
We’ve spent 30+ years resolving IRS debt nationwide. Our team understands IRS notices, collections, enforcement actions, and the legal frameworks behind them — expertise basic tax preparers simply don’t have.Skilled IRS Negotiation
We regularly negotiate:
- Installment agreements
- Penalty abatements
- Offers in compromise
- Currently-Not-Collectible status
- Appeals for levy and lien notices
Custom Strategies, Not One-Size-Fits-All
Every taxpayer’s financial situation is different. We build personalized strategies designed to legally minimize your liability and protect your income and assets.Protection From Liens, Levies & Wage Garnishments
If you’re facing enforced collection, you need specialists who can step in quickly. We represent clients directly and work to stop or prevent aggressive IRS actions.Clear, Honest, No-Pressure Guidance
Unlike 1-800 tax relief companies that rely on aggressive sales tactics:- We don’t pressure you into signing today.
- We don’t inflate your options to “close the sale.”
- We walk you through real solutions and let you decide.
- No gimmicks. No scare tactics. No inflated promises.
Nationwide Service
While ATS is headquartered in Colorado, our tax resolution team assists clients across the United States. Wherever you live, you get the same expert, personalized help.How Advanced Tax Solutions Helps You Move Forward
When you contact us about an IRS notice, here’s what happens next:1. We Review Your IRS Letter and Timeline
You’ll know exactly what the notice means, what the IRS can do next, and what your rights are.
2. We Create a Strategic Response
We prepare and submit IRS-compliant responses that protect you even during processing delays.
3. We Represent You Directly
We handle the IRS for you — including negotiations, appeals, and enforcement-stop actions.
4. We Build a Long-Term Tax Relief Plan
We help you resolve your current issue and prevent future tax problems.
The Shutdown Is Over — But Your IRS Deadlines Are Not
If you’ve received an IRS notice, especially during or after the shutdown, don’t wait. Acting quickly and intelligently is the best way to avoid garnishments, levies, or escalating penalties.Advanced Tax Solutions is here to help — nationwide, with the expertise and integrity you won’t get from a basic tax service or a 1-800 sales center.
Contact us today for a confidential, no-pressure consultation. We’ll help you understand your notice, protect your rights, and find the best path forward.
