IRS Notice CP508C: Passport certification — seriously delinquent debt
Quick answerThe IRS certified your tax debt as seriously delinquent to the State Department. That can lead to your passport application being denied or your passport revoked.
Letter / noticeCP508C
MeaningPassport certification — seriously delinquent debt
Action needed?Yes — see steps
What happens next
The IRS reverses certification after the debt is paid or a qualifying arrangement (such as a payment plan) is in place.
Advertisement
What you should do
- Pay in full or set up an installment agreement or offer in compromise
- Call the number on the notice if you have imminent travel
Scam check: the IRS first contacts you by mail. Use only the phone numbers printed on your letter or on IRS.gov — never ones from a text, email or unofficial site.
Frequently asked questions
What does IRS Notice CP508C mean?
The IRS certified your tax debt as seriously delinquent to the State Department. That can lead to your passport application being denied or your passport revoked.
What should I do?
Pay in full or set up an installment agreement or offer in compromise Call the number on the notice if you have imminent travel
How long does it take?
The IRS reverses certification after the debt is paid or a qualifying arrangement (such as a payment plan) is in place.
Sources
- IRS: Understanding your IRS notice or letter
- IRS: Get Transcript
- Taxpayer Advocate Service (independent help inside the IRS)
Written by the editorial team and checked against the official sources above. See our editorial policy.
By the TranscriptCodes Editorial Team · Last reviewed 2026-11-12.