Currently Not Collectible (Hardship)
If you can’t afford to pay the IRS right now, you may qualify for Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status—often called “hardship.” CNC can reduce collection pressure while you stabilize financially. We help you determine if you qualify, prepare the financial documentation, and communicate with the IRS on your behalf.
Is this you?
- You can’t afford monthly IRS payments without missing rent, food, or utilities.
- You’re facing wage garnishment, levies, or constant IRS notices.
- Your income dropped due to job loss, illness, divorce, or business slowdown.
- You’re living on fixed income (retirement, disability, etc.).
- You need breathing room from IRS collections while you get back on your feet.
What “Currently Not Collectible” Actually Means
Currently Not Collectible (CNC) is an IRS status where the IRS agrees you cannot pay your tax debt right now due to financial hardship. When approved, the IRS typically pauses active collection efforts for a period of time.
CNC is not a settlement—and your balance can still grow from penalties and interest. The goal is to reduce immediate pressure and give you a realistic path forward.
More about CNC:
- Temporary hardship: short-term income disruption (job loss, unexpected expenses).
- Fixed-income hardship: limited income that doesn’t support payments.
- Business cash-flow hardship: income exists, but it’s inconsistent and basic living costs come first.
HOW WE HELP
What We Do
- Pull IRS transcripts to confirm balances, years, and collection status.
- Review your household income, expenses, and assets to see if CNC is realistic.
- Build a clean, documented financial picture (so you’re not guessing).
- Prepare and submit the IRS hardship request and respond to follow-up questions.
- If CNC isn’t the best option, we explain alternatives (installment agreement, OIC, penalty relief).
- Help you stay compliant going forward so you don’t lose options later.
Our Simple Process
- Step 1: Free consultation. Understand what’s happening and what you need right now.
- Step 2: Transcript + document review. Confirm IRS status and what years are involved.
- Step 3: Hardship analysis. Determine if CNC is realistic and what documentation is needed.
- Step 4: Submit + communicate. We request CNC and handle IRS back-and-forth.
- Step 5: Follow-through. If CNC is granted, we guide you on staying compliant and planning a longer-term resolution.
See If You Qualify for IRS Hardship Status (CNC)
Get a clear answer and a realistic plan—no scare tactics.
Why Choose Us
BBB A+ Rating — Trusted and reliable.
Money-Back Guarantee on Offer in Compromise.
10+ Years of Tax Resolution Experience.
Boutique, 7-person team (not a call center). You’ll work with real tax professionals who know your case, not a rotating pool of sales reps.
IRS-only, nationwide practice. We focus on IRS tax problems every day and help clients across the country resolve back taxes and get compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status?
CNC is an IRS hardship status where the IRS agrees you cannot pay right now and typically pauses active collection.
Will CNC stop wage garnishment or levies?
Often it can reduce collection pressure once approved, but timing depends on where you are in the process. We’ll explain what to expect in your case.
Do I still owe the debt if I’m in CNC?
Yes. CNC isn’t a settlement. Your balance may continue to accrue penalties and interest.
How long does CNC last?
It depends. The IRS may review your situation periodically. If your finances improve, they may ask you to resume payments or consider another resolution option.
Can I move from CNC to an Offer in Compromise or payment plan later?
Yes—CNC can be a stepping stone. Once you’re stable (and compliant), you may qualify for other options.
Do you handle state tax hardship cases too?
We focus exclusively on IRS (federal) tax matters.
Real Results for Real Clients
- Helped a taxpayer reduce collection pressure by securing IRS hardship status.
- Stopped a wage garnishment within 24 hours and put a client on an affordable resolution path.
- Stabilized a client facing aggressive IRS notices and built a documented plan forward.
- Filed multiple years of unfiled returns and cleared penalties for a self-employed client who had avoided the IRS for years.
- Corrected IRS “substitute for return” assessments by filing accurate returns and reducing the assessed balance.
- Helped a self-employed client reconstruct records, file returns, and move into an affordable resolution path.
Results vary; every case is unique.