Received an IRS LT11 Letter and Worried About Levy Action?
Receiving an IRS LT11 letter is serious and should not be ignored.
This notice means the IRS is warning you in advance that they may levy (seize) your bank account, wages, or other assets if action is not taken.
While this letter sounds intimidating, you still have rights — but time matters now.
Decision Guide:
People in this situation usually want one of these things.
- Just understand what this means
- Check if this is serious
- Handle it myself step by step
- Deal with it later
What is an IRS LT11 letter?
An IRS LT11 letter is officially called a Final Notice of Intent to Levy and Notice of Your Right to a Hearing.
In simple terms, the IRS is saying:
- you have an unpaid tax balance
- previous notices were sent
- the IRS is now preparing to collect
- this is your final warning before levy action
This is not a reminder.
This is an escalation notice.
Why did you receive an IRS LT11 letter?
People usually receive an LT11 after:
- ignoring earlier IRS notices
- not resolving a balance due
- missing response deadlines
- unresolved payment issues
By the time an LT11 is sent, the IRS believes voluntary compliance has failed.
Reassurance:
Receiving an LT11 does not mean the IRS has already taken your money.
This letter exists to warn you and to give you one last opportunity to respond before levy action begins.
Many people receive an LT11 after delays or confusion — not because of intentional wrongdoing.
Taking a moment to understand what’s going on before reacting is usually the best first step.
Severity Check:
- Yes — an IRS LT11 letter is very serious and requires immediate attention.
- This notice means the IRS is legally preparing to levy assets if no action is taken.
- At this stage:
- bank levies are possible
- wage garnishment may begin
- tax refunds can be seized
- your response window is limited
- This notice is not a levy yet — but it is the final step before one can occur.
What happens if you ignore an IRS LT11 letter?
Ignoring an LT11 can lead to:
- bank account levy
- wage garnishment
- seizure of future tax refunds
- long-term collection enforcement
Once levy action starts, your options become much more limited.
Options Overview:
- Pay in full
- Payment plan
- Review for errors
- Get help later
What options do you have after receiving an LT11?
Depending on your situation, people often:
- request a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing
- set up a payment arrangement
- resolve the balance in full
- seek assistance before levy begins
The key point is this:
Doing something is always better than doing nothing.
Can the IRS levy your bank account after LT11?
Yes — but not immediately.
The LT11 letter gives you a short response window before levy action can legally start.
If that window closes without action, the IRS may proceed with asset seizure.
What people usually look at next?
- Deadlines & timelines
- Penalties & interest
- What happens if ignored
- Ways to resolve properly
IRS Notices & Tax Letters
If you’ve Recieved an IRS notice, reviewing related letters can help you understand what IRS may request next.
Final thoughts on IRS LT11 letters
An IRS LT11 letter is the last warning before enforced collection.
The most important things to remember are:
- this notice demands attention
- you still have rights
- timing matters now
- ignoring it makes things worse
Understanding the letter first allows you to choose the least damaging path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About IRS LT11 Letters
Is an IRS LT11 letter the same as a levy?
No. An LT11 is a warning, not the levy itself — but it is the final step before one can happen.
How long do I have to respond to an LT11 letter?
The letter provides a limited response window. Missing it can allow levy action to begin.
Can the IRS garnish my wages after an LT11?
Yes. Wage garnishment is one of the possible outcomes if the notice is ignored.
Does LT11 mean the IRS will take my bank money immediately?
No. The IRS must wait until the response period passes — but action can follow quickly after.