If you’ve ever wondered how long the IRS has to come after you for unpaid taxes, you’re not alone. Many taxpayers assume that once enough time passes, their tax troubles disappear. The truth? It depends.
Today we’ll break down the IRS Statute of Limitations on Collection —what it means, how long it lasts, and how a tax resolution professional like Jablonsky Tax Relief can help navigate your options if you’re facing lingering IRS debt.
What Is the IRS Statute of Limitations?
The statute of limitations refers to the legal time limit the IRS has to collect a tax debt or audit a return. These timeframes help ensure that the government acts within a reasonable period and that taxpayers are not left in indefinite limbo.
Here are the main timelines you should know:
- Audit Deadline – The IRS typically has three years from the due date or the date you file your return to audit it.
- Exception – If you fail to report 25% or more of your income, now the IRS has 6 years to audit.
- Collection Deadline – The IRS generally has 10 years from the date your tax liability is assessed to collect the debt.
- No Time Limit in Cases of Fraud – If you commit tax fraud or don’t file a return at all, the statute of limitations may not apply.
That 10-year collection window ends on the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED). After that date passes, the IRS can no longer legally collect the debt—though getting to that point isn’t always straightforward.
How the Clock Can Be Extended
While the 10-year period may seem simple, it can be extended under certain circumstances. For example:
- Filing for Bankruptcy – The clock pauses during bankruptcy proceedings plus an additional 6 months.
- Submitting an Offer in Compromise – The clock stops while the IRS considers your offer.
- Requesting a Collection Due Process (CDP) Hearing – This also suspends the countdown.
- Leaving the Country for 6 Months or More – The statute is tolled while you’re away.
Each of these actions and several others can significantly delay the expiration of your tax debt. That’s why it’s critical to understand the impact of every move you make—and why you should never go it alone when dealing with IRS collections.
How a Tax Resolution Professional Can Help
At Jablonsky Tax Relief, we specialize in understanding the nuances of IRS collection timelines. If you’re unsure about how much longer the IRS can pursue you—or if they’re still within their rights to collect—we can help.
Here’s how we assist clients like you:
- Determine Your CSED – We analyze various IRS transcripts to calculate the exact expiration date.
- Prevent Costly Extensions – We help you make informed decisions that won’t accidentally pause the clock.
- Explore Resolution Options – If you still have time left on the clock, we can help you settle or reduce your debt before further enforcement.
Don’t Let Time Work Against You
Whether the IRS has a few months or several years left to collect from you, you need a solid strategy in place. The rules are complex, but the good news is: you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Contact Jablonsky Tax Relief today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, identify your options, and help you take the right steps forward—before time runs out.
