IRS CP297 Final Notice of Intent to Levy (Business) — What It Means & What To Do
A CP297 is a Final Notice of Intent to Levy issued to businesses. It means the IRS has assessed the tax and may proceed with enforced collection if no action is taken within the required timeframe.
You generally have 30 days from the date of the notice to request a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing to preserve full appeal rights.
After that window expires, the IRS may levy:
• Business bank accounts
• Accounts receivable
• Equipment and business assets
• Potentially pursue responsible officers for payroll tax liabilities
This is not an early reminder notice. This is final enforcement stage authority.
What Triggered This Notice?
CP297 is typically issued when:
• Business tax balances remain unpaid
• Payroll tax liabilities were not resolved
• Prior collection notices were ignored
• An installment agreement defaulted
The IRS is signaling that collection will move forward unless timely action is taken.
What the IRS Can and Cannot Do at This Stage
Can do after deadline expires:
• Levy bank accounts
• Levy receivables
• Seize assets
• Continue aggressive collection
Cannot do before 30-day CDP window closes:
• Levy assets if a timely CDP hearing request is filed
This Is NOT the Same As
• CP90 / LT11 — These apply to individuals
• CP504 — Limited to state refund levy and passport certification
• CP14 / CP501 / CP503 — Early balance due notices
CP297 applies specifically to businesses and may involve different asset categories and responsible party exposure.
Who This Documentation System Is For
• Corporations, LLCs, partnerships with tax debt
• Businesses facing levy authority
• Owners concerned about receivables or asset seizure
• Responsible officers managing payroll tax exposure
What’s Included in the CP297 Documentation System
• CP297 Response Planning Framework
• CDP Hearing Documentation Organizer
• Business Asset & Receivables Worksheet
• Responsible Officer Exposure Review Template
• IRS Communication Log
• Deadline Tracking Sheet
• Submission Checklist
This system provides structured documentation templates to help you respond in an organized and professional manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IRS CP297?
CP297 is a Final Notice of Intent to Levy issued to businesses. It means the IRS may proceed with enforced collection if no timely action is taken.
How long do I have to respond to CP297?
You generally have 30 days from the date of the notice to request a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing to preserve full appeal rights.
Can the IRS levy my business bank account?
Yes. After the 30-day period expires, the IRS may levy business bank accounts and accounts receivable.
What is the difference between CP297 and CP90?
CP297 applies to businesses. CP90 (or LT11) applies to individuals.
What happens if I ignore CP297?
After the response window closes, the IRS may begin levy action without further warning.
Does this mean the IRS will immediately seize my assets?
No. You generally have a limited window to respond before levy authority is exercised.
What is a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing?
A CDP hearing allows you to formally challenge the levy or propose collection alternatives before enforcement proceeds.
Is this legal representation?
No. This documentation system provides structured templates and organizational tools. It does not provide legal or tax advice.
Important Notice
This product provides documentation templates and organizational tools.
It is not legal advice, tax advice, or representation.
Consult qualified professionals for legal or tax-specific guidance.
UNDERREPORTED INCOME
CP2000
Proposed tax adjustment due to income mismatch.
View Guide →
EARLY BALANCE DUE
CP14, CP501, CP503
Initial collection notices requesting payment or clarification.
View Guide →
STATUTORY DEFICIENCY
90-Day Notice
Formal right to petition Tax Court.
View Guide →
INTENT TO LEVY
CP504
Warning of potential asset or refund seizure.
View Guide →
REFUND REVIEW
CP75 / 5071C
Refund held pending verification or identity confirmation.
View Guide →
FINAL LEVY NOTICE
CP90 / LT11 / CP297
Final notice before enforced collection actions begin.
View Guide →
CDP HEARING
Form 12153
Collection Due Process request to halt enforcement while under review.
View Guide →