Can I Get a Passport if I Owe Taxes?
Owing back taxes can cause plenty of setbacks and headaches. It can even stop you from obtaining, renewing, or keeping your U.S. passport.
If you owe over a certain amount in seriously delinquent federal tax debt, the IRS may notify the State Department of your account. This can lead to passport denial, suspension, or full revocation.
But there are ways you can reclaim your passport and move on with your life. In this blog, we’ll discuss what your options are and how S.H. Block Tax Services can help.
Confirm Whether Your Debt Is Seriously Delinquent
A “seriously delinquent tax debt” meets all the following:
- Your unpaid federal tax debt, including penalties and interest, is over $64,000 (this figure is for 2025 and adjusted yearly for inflation by the IRS)
- The IRS has filed a Notice of Federal Tax Lien or issued a levy
- You have exhausted legal collection remedies or missed your deadline for a hearing
If this describes your situation, the IRS will typically send a CP508C notice informing you that they’ve turned you over to the State Department. This notice is sent to your last known address. However, if you no longer live at the address on file or you have been unable to collect your mail for some time, you might not even be aware of this notice.
You Only Have 90 Days to Respond After a Passport Application or Renewal
Once your debt is certified as seriously delinquent and you apply for or renew a passport, the State Department will hold your application for 90 days to give you an opportunity to resolve the debt.
During this 90-day window, you can:
- Pay off the debt in full
- Set up a new IRS-approved installment agreement
- Resolve any errors in the certification
Failure to act within 90 days will result in your passport application or renewal being denied. You must clear your debt and submit a brand-new application.
Additionally, if you’re already overseas when your passport is revoked, the State Department may issue a limited-validity passport that will only allow you to return to the U.S.
Resolve the Debt or Dispute the Certification
To reinstate your eligibility for a passport, you must get the IRS to reverse the certification. You have three main options:
- Pay the balance in full. This automatically triggers decertification.
- Set up a payment installment agreement. The agreement must be approved and in good standing.
- Apply for an Offer in Compromise. This proves you can’t pay the full debt and may allow you to settle your debt for less.
Once one of these options is fulfilled, the IRS will send a CP508R notice confirming that your account is no longer seriously delinquent. They will then notify the State Department that you are once again eligible for a passport.
At S.H. Block Tax Services, we can guide you step by step through the process. We can negotiate timelines, submit documentation, and handle IRS communication so you don’t have to.
When Can You Still Get a Passport if You Owe Taxes?
It is possible to be in a situation where you have a “seriously delinquent tax debt” but the IRS does not notify the State Department for passport denial. Such cases include:
- Being in an approved installment plan or Offer in Compromise
- Filing for bankruptcy
- Filing for innocent spouse relief
- Having your account marked as “currently not collectible”
- Being in a federally declared disaster zone
- Dealing with identity theft
Even cases that may be on the threshold can be avoided or reversed if action is taken early and correctly.
Know Your Rights (and Timing)
If you plan to travel in the near future, it is important to act as quickly as possible to resolve any owed tax issues to avoid aggravating delays.
Regarding the timing of notices and resolutions, it’s important to know that:
- There is no grace period before certification. Once the IRS sends CP508C, the State Department can act at any time to deny a passport.
- Certification reversal should happen within 30 days after resolving the debt.
- State Department processing times can vary. Expect 4–6 weeks to reissue or restore a passport.
However, some parts of the process may be expedited. We can help you with that.
Get S.H. Block on Your Side and Get Your Passport Back
While there are some cases where you can get a passport when you owe taxes, there are many others where you will need to take action to resolve the issues blocking your way.
Navigating IRS requirements and timelines is stressful. It’s even more so if your passport, travel plans, or career are on the line. At S.H. Block Tax Services, we can offer you:
- Personal attention. We’ll treat your case like it’s our own.
- Speed. We prioritize urgent cases to find a resolution fast.
- Expertise. We know how to structure a payment plan or compromise offer to qualify for decertification, and we’ll handle all follow-ups.
- Peace of mind. You won’t be left wondering what to do next.
If you’ve received a CP508C or think you might be at risk of having your passport denied, don’t delay:
Call us today at (410) 872‑8376 or fill out our online form to request a free consultation. We’ll walk you through your options and help restore your passport eligibility.
Your ability to travel is too important to risk. Let us help you get back on track and keep your passport.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
