IRS Tax Relief Help

IRS Publication 1660: Collection Appeal Rights for Tax Debt

Plain-English tax relief guide to Publication 1660: why it matters, what to check first, how to respond yourself, and when professional IRS tax debt help may be worth it.

Publication 1660 matters in tax relief because the form often controls what the IRS can review, approve, or correct. This guide explains when the form is used, how to prepare it carefully, and how it connects to resolving IRS tax debt.

What this IRS item means

Publication 1660 explains Collection Due Process and Collection Appeals Program rights.

Why you may have received it

It matters when you receive lien, levy, seizure, or installment agreement action notices.

What to do first

Match your notice to CDP or CAP and note the deadline before responding.

How it connects to tax debt relief

Appeals can review collection alternatives and certain IRS collection decisions.

DIY checklist

  • Confirm the exact form number, tax year, taxpayer name, and IRS deadline.
  • Create a folder with the IRS notice, filed return, payment confirmations, transcripts, bank proof, and any prior IRS letters.
  • Compare the IRS position to your own records before paying, signing, or agreeing to changes.
  • If you owe and cannot pay in full, review payment plan, penalty relief, hardship, appeal, or offer options before the deadline.
  • Send responses using the IRS method shown in the notice or instructions and keep proof of delivery.

Documents to gather before responding

  • The IRS notice or current version of the form
  • A copy of the tax return for the year involved
  • IRS account and wage/income transcripts when records are incomplete
  • Proof of payments, withholding, estimated taxes, or deposits
  • Financial records if you are asking for a payment plan, hardship status, or offer review
  • Copies of anything mailed, faxed, uploaded, or discussed by phone

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Do not miss a CDP deadline if you want to preserve Tax Court review rights.
  • Missing the response date or assuming a later phone call will fix the deadline.
  • Sending original records instead of copies.
  • Making a payment without confirming the right year and account when a misapplied payment may be the real issue.
  • Hiring help before understanding what the IRS is actually asking for.

When a tax debt attorney may help

This is the type of IRS issue where professional help can be especially useful. A tax debt attorney can review deadlines, communicate with the IRS, evaluate appeal rights, and help choose between payment plan, hardship, offer, lien, levy, or dispute options.

Official IRS and TAS resources

Important: This guide is educational and is not legal or tax advice. Always follow the instructions and deadlines on your IRS notice or current IRS form instructions.