What should I do about a passport hold for tax debt?
If you have seriously delinquent tax debt, the IRS tells the State Department. The State Department may then deny a new passport, refuse a renewal, or revoke one. For 2026 the line is more than $66,000.
The debt must also have a filed lien with appeal rights used up, or a levy. The IRS mails notice CP508C when it certifies you.
Debts on a plan you are paying on time, an accepted offer, or a pending plan or offer request are not certified. Neither are CNC hardship accounts.
If you apply for a passport while certified, the State Department holds your application 90 days. That is your window to pay or set up a plan.
Key facts
- Your total federal tax debt with penalties and interest
- Whether you got a CP508C
- Any pending plan or offer request
- Travel dates
- Whether you are in a combat zone (certification is postponed)
Options that may help
A plan you pay on time keeps the debt from being certified.
Full payment leads the IRS to reverse the certification and send a CP508R.
A pending offer or a hardship CNC status also stops certification.
Results depend on your situation. Not every case qualifies.
Common questions
How long does the State Department hold my application?
90 days from its letter. If you don't make a payment arrangement in time, it denies the application.
Source: IRS: Revocation or denial of passport for unpaid taxes
Does child support count?
No. Child support is not seriously delinquent tax debt for this rule.
Source: IRS: Revocation or denial of passport for unpaid taxes
General information, not tax or legal advice. You can contact the IRS yourself for free at irs.gov.