Several rule exceptions might keep your passport off the red-eye to nowhere. Bankruptcy can put the brakes on things, for instance , as can fixing an IRS debt-settlement agreement called a suggestion in compromise. Requesting innocent spouse relief may additionally work, as can living during a federal area , being the victim of tax-related fraud or demonstrating true financial hardship.
You can also file suit within the U.S. Tax Court or a U.S. District Court if you think that the IRS has flagged your passport in error.
But perhaps the simplest answer of a passport pickle is simply to pay your bill or get on a payment plan. The IRS offers installment programs which will help.
“If they’re working it out with the IRS — if there’s a suggestion to compromise even, or if there’s an installment agreement, or if they’re still browsing a collections process — the passport revocation measures aren't getting to become ,” says James Curtis, a senior manager of international tax services at Hall & Company CPAs & Consultants in Irvine, California.
But if you’re hoping to catch that plane to Paris next week, your passport likely won’t be ready in time, Noff says. All of these options can take the IRS weeks or months to process, he warns. Plus, the IRS has a further 30 days to inform the State Department to offer your passport the green light again.
“Probably somewhere between two to 6 weeks, i might say, is that the quickest turnaround ,” Noff says.
And if you’re also behind on your state taxes, make an idea for that, too, Noff says. Otherwise, you'll have trouble renewing your driver’s license and car registration — or your nursing license, land license or other professional license from the state.