CP503 Notice: Balance Due (Escalation) — What It Means + What To Do
CP503 means the IRS has not received payment or a resolution plan after earlier notices. This is an escalation step in the collection sequence.
Where CP503 sits on the enforcement clock
The most common sequence is: CP14 → CP503 → CP504 → LT11 / 1058 → levy.
Safest next steps
- Verify the amount and tax year.
- Pick a resolution path (this stops the auto-escalation):
- If you have missing returns: Fix past-due returns (the IRS usually won’t negotiate until you’re compliant).
What comes next if ignored
CP503 commonly escalates to CP504 (Final Notice / intent to levy), and later to final levy notices like LT11 / Letter 1058.
Clock strategy: Learn about expiration/pauses here: IRS statute of limitations.
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