[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 14 (Friday, January 22, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3405-3413]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-1412]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Internal Revenue Service

26 CFR Part 301

[TD 8809]
RIN 1545-AW76


Notice and Opportunity for Hearing Before Levy

AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.

ACTION: Temporary regulations.

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SUMMARY: This document contains temporary regulations relating to the 
provision of notice to taxpayers of a right to a hearing before levy. 
The regulations implement certain changes made by section 3401 of the 
Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998. They 
affect taxpayers against whose property the IRS intends to levy. The 
text of these regulations also serves as the text of the proposed 
regulations set forth in the notice of proposed rulemaking on this 
subject in the Proposed Rules section of this issue of the Federal 
Register.

DATES: This regulation is effective January 19, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jerome D. Sekula (202) 622-3610 (not a 
toll-free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    This document contains amendments to the Procedure and 
Administration Regulations (26 CFR part 301) that reflect the addition 
of section 6330 to the Internal Revenue Code made by section 3401 of 
the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 
(RRA).
    Prior to January 1, 1983, the IRS was only required to notify a 
taxpayer of its intention to levy in the case of proposed levies on 
salary or wages. Section 6331(d) was amended as a part of the Tax 
Equity and Fiscal Responsibility

[[Page 3406]]

Act of 1982 (TEFRA). The TEFRA amendment required the IRS to give a 
taxpayer a notice of its intention to levy, in non-jeopardy situations, 
before any levy was made upon the salary, wages, or other property of 
the taxpayer. The legislative history of the TEFRA amendment recognized 
that, although a single notice of intent to levy relating to all 
property would be sufficient, the IRS was not precluded from sending 
multiple notices of intention to levy.
    Under section 6331(a), the IRS may levy upon a taxpayer's property 
and rights to property if a taxpayer fails to pay a tax liability. 
Exemptions from levy are provided for certain property under section 
6334(a). The first step toward levy generally occurs when the IRS 
provides a taxpayer with a written notice and demand for payment. Under 
section 6303, a notice and demand is a notice which states that the tax 
has been assessed and demands that payment be made. If, in non-jeopardy 
situations, the taxpayer fails to pay the tax within 10 days after 
notice and demand, the IRS may seize a taxpayer's property or rights to 
property 30 days after sending the taxpayer a notice required under 
section 6331(d), called a Notice of Intent to Levy. Although the notice 
and demand and the Notice of Intent to Levy may be combined and sent at 
the same time under Treas. Reg. Sec. 301.6331-2(a)(1), under current 
practice these two notices are usually sent separately. Generally, the 
notice and demand is sent first and, as the second step in the levy 
process, the Notice of Intent to Levy is sent at a later time. The IRS 
is permitted to proceed with immediate seizure of a taxpayer's property 
or rights to property without regard to the 10-day waiting period if it 
determines that the collection of the tax is in jeopardy.
    Under section 6331(d), the Notice of Intent to Levy must contain a 
brief statement, in simple, nontechnical terms, that sets forth (A) the 
statutory provisions relating to the levy and sale of property, (B) the 
procedures applicable to the levy and sale of property, (C) the 
administrative appeals available to the taxpayer with respect to levy 
and sale and the procedures relating to those appeals, (D) the 
alternatives available to taxpayers that could prevent levy on the 
property (including installment agreements), (E) the statutory 
provisions relating to redemption of property and the release of liens 
on property, and (F) the procedures applicable to the redemption of 
property and the release of a lien on property. The Notice of Intent to 
Levy must be given in person, left at the taxpayer's dwelling or usual 
place of business, or sent by registered or certified mail to the 
taxpayer's last known address.
    Prior to January 19, 1999, the IRS generally complied with the 
requirements of section 6331(d) by giving the taxpayer a Final Notice 
of Intent to Levy, and enclosing certain IRS publications which explain 
the law, IRS levy and redemption procedures, administrative appeal 
processes and procedures, and various collection alternatives.
    Section 6330 provides that, except when the Secretary finds that 
collection of the tax is in jeopardy or a levy is issued to collect 
State tax refunds due to the taxpayer, no levy may be made on or after 
January 19, 1999, unless the Secretary notifies the taxpayer in writing 
of a right to a hearing before the IRS Office of Appeals (Appeals) with 
respect to the unpaid tax for the tax period. When the Secretary has 
found jeopardy exists and in cases where a levy is made on a State tax 
refund, the taxpayer will be given notice of a right to, and the 
opportunity for, a hearing within a reasonable time after the levy 
action has actually occurred.
    Except when it determines that collection of the tax is in jeopardy 
or it levies on State tax refunds, the IRS is prohibited from levying 
upon the taxpayer's property or rights to property until 30 days after 
providing the taxpayer with the notice of a right to a hearing before 
Appeals. If the taxpayer requests such a hearing, the IRS is, in the 
absence of jeopardy, prohibited from levying upon the taxpayer's 
property until the determination reached by Appeals becomes final.
    In order to implement the provisions of section 6330, the IRS is 
going to modify the procedures it follows leading up to the issuance of 
a levy. In the absence of a determination that collection of the taxes 
is in jeopardy, the IRS will continue to provide a number of notices to 
a taxpayer before levying upon the taxpayer's property.
    Under the procedures the IRS is adopting to implement section 6330, 
the levy process will continue to begin with issuance to the taxpayer 
of a written notice and demand for payment. Absent a jeopardy 
determination, a taxpayer who fails to pay the tax specified in the 
notice and demand within 10 days after notice and demand may, in 
addition to other notices such as the annual notice of tax delinquency 
required under section 7524, be sent an Urgent Notice. The Urgent 
Notice will inform the taxpayer that the IRS may levy upon a taxpayer's 
State tax refund after 30 days from the date of that notice. This 
Urgent Notice will include all information required under section 
6331(d) and will constitute the notice required under that section. 
Accordingly, the Urgent Notice will also begin the ten-day period 
leading to an increase in the failure to pay penalty prescribed by 
section 6651(d).
    These temporary regulations implement the provisions of section 
6330 and thus set forth the procedures the IRS will follow regarding 
notice to taxpayers of a right to a hearing before Appeals, the 
procedures that will be followed at those hearings, judicial review of 
the determinations reached at the hearings, and the suspensions of 
various periods of limitation as a result of a timely request for a 
hearing. The legislative history accompanying RRA also explains that 
Congress intended the IRS to grant an equivalent hearing to taxpayers 
who do not request a hearing under section 6330 within the 30-day 
period following the date of notification. H. Conf. Rep. No. 599, 105th 
Cong., 2d Sess. 266 (1998). These temporary regulations set forth the 
procedural requirements and rules that will govern the conduct of such 
an equivalent hearing.

Explanation of Provisions

    The temporary regulations provide that, except in the case of 
jeopardy levies or levies on State tax refunds, the IRS must notify the 
taxpayer of its intention to levy prior to issuing a levy. The 
notification under section 6330 may be given in person, left at the 
taxpayer's dwelling or usual place of business, or sent to the taxpayer 
by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to the 
taxpayer's last known address at least 30 days prior to the first 
proposed levy action with respect to the amount of the unpaid tax for 
the tax period. The temporary regulations also provide procedures to be 
followed in the event the notification, if mailed, is not mailed to the 
taxpayer's last known address. In jeopardy situations and in cases 
where a levy is made on a State tax refund, notification to the 
taxpayer of a right to a hearing is not required to be given until the 
levy action has actually occurred. The temporary regulations set forth 
the procedures to be followed for making the required pre-levy and 
post-levy notifications.
    Both such notifications must (A) set forth the amount of unpaid 
tax, (B) notify the taxpayer of the right to request a hearing within 
the 30-day period that commences the day after the date of 
notification, (C) indicate, as appropriate, that the IRS has levied or 
plans to levy, and (D) describe the rights of the taxpayer with respect 
to such action, including a brief statement which explains (1) the 
provisions of the

[[Page 3407]]

Internal Revenue Code (Code) relating to levy and sale of property, (2) 
the procedures applicable to the levy and sale of property under the 
Code, (3) the administrative appeals available to the taxpayer with 
respect to such levy and sale and the procedures relating to such 
appeals, (4) the alternatives available to taxpayers which might 
forestall future levies on property (including installment agreements 
under section 6159), and (5) the provisions of the Code and procedures 
relating to redemption of property and release of liens on property.
    Unless the taxpayer withdraws the request that Appeals conduct a 
hearing when the taxpayer has made a timely request for a collection 
due process hearing, Appeals will hold one section 6330 collection due 
process hearing (CDP hearing) with respect to the tax and tax period or 
periods specified in the collection due process notice (CDP Notice). 
The taxpayer is entitled to have a hearing conducted by an Appeals 
officer who has had no prior involvement with the unpaid tax that is 
the subject of the hearing. This requirement, however, can be waived by 
the taxpayer in writing. A taxpayer may seek judicial review of an 
Appeals determination issued with respect to a CDP hearing. Hearings 
with respect to levies may be held in conjunction with hearings under 
section 6320, involving liens.
    If the taxpayer timely requests a CDP hearing, the periods of 
limitation relating to collection after assessment, relating to 
criminal prosecution, and relating to suits are suspended until the 
suspension ends as a result of the taxpayer's withdrawal of the request 
for a CDP hearing or until the determination reached at the CDP hearing 
becomes final by the expiration of the time for seeking review or 
reconsideration before the appropriate court. Prior to issuance of the 
Appeals determination, the Appeals officer must verify that all legal 
and administrative requirements pertaining to the proposed levy have 
been met. The temporary regulations further discuss the types of issues 
that may or may not be raised at the CDP hearing. The types of issues 
that may be raised at the hearing include appropriate spousal defenses; 
challenges to the appropriateness of collection actions; collection 
alternatives; and challenges to the existence or amount of the 
liability specified in the CDP Notice. An issue may not be raised at 
the CDP hearing if the issue was raised and considered at a previous 
hearing under section 6320 or any other previous administrative or 
judicial proceeding in which the taxpayer meaningfully participated. 
Challenges to the existence or amount of the tax liability specified in 
the CDP Notice may be raised only if the taxpayer did not receive a 
statutory notice of deficiency for such liability or did not otherwise 
have an opportunity to dispute such liability.
    Following the CDP hearing, the Appeals officer will issue a Notice 
of Determination, which can be appealed to the United States Tax Court 
or a district court of the United States by filing an appropriate 
pleading with the court that has jurisdiction over the type of tax 
involved within 30 days of the date of the determination. The temporary 
regulations discuss the content of the Notice of Determination and the 
rules for obtaining judicial review. The temporary regulations also 
provide guidance as to the extent to which the Appeals officer will 
retain jurisdiction with respect to the determination.
    Lastly, the temporary regulations provides rules and procedures 
with respect to the administrative hearing (referred to as an 
``equivalent hearing'') the IRS will provide to taxpayers who do not 
timely request a hearing under section 6330.

Special Analyses

    It has been determined that this Treasury decision is not a 
significant regulatory action as defined in Executive Order 12866. 
Therefore, a regulatory assessment is not required. It has also been 
determined that section 553 (b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 
U.S.C. chapter 5) does not apply to these regulations. For the 
applicability of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) 
refer to the Special Analyses section of the preamble to the cross 
reference notice of proposed rulemaking published in the Proposed Rules 
section of this issue of the Federal Register. Pursuant to section 7805 
(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, this temporary regulation will be 
submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration for comment on its impact on small business.

Drafting Information

    The principal author of this regulation is Jerome D. Sekula, Office 
of Assistant Chief Counsel (General Litigation). However, other 
personnel from the IRS and Treasury Department participated in its 
development.

List of Subjects in 26 CFR Part 301

    Employment taxes, Estate taxes, Excise taxes, Gift taxes, Income 
taxes, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

Adoption of Amendments to the Regulations

    Accordingly, 26 CFR part 301 is amended as follows:

PART 301--PROCEDURE AND ADMINISTRATION

    Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 301 continues to read 
in part as follows:

    Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *

    Par. 2. Section 301.6330-1T is added under the undesignated 
centerheading ``Seizure of Property for collection of Taxes'' under the 
undesignated centerheading ``Seizure of Property for Collection of 
Taxes'' to read as follows:


Sec. 301.6330-1T  Notice and opportunity for hearing prior to levy 
(temporary).

    (a) Notification--(1) In general. Except as specified in paragraph 
(a)(2) of this section, the district directors, directors of service 
centers, and the Assistant Commissioner (International), or their 
successors, are required to provide persons upon whose property or 
rights to property the IRS intends to levy on or after January 19, 
1999, notice of that intention and to give them the right to, and the 
opportunity for, a pre-levy Collection Due Process hearing (CDP 
hearing) with the Internal Revenue Service Office of Appeals (Appeals). 
This Collection Due Process Hearing Notice (CDP Notice) must be given 
in person, left at the dwelling or usual place of business of such 
person, or sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt 
requested, to such person's last known address.
    (2) Exceptions--(i) State tax refunds. Section 6330 does not 
require the IRS to provide the taxpayer a notification of the 
taxpayer's right to a CDP hearing prior to issuing a levy to collect 
State tax refunds owing to the taxpayer. However, the district 
director, the service center director, and the Assistant Commissioner 
(International), or their successors, are required to give notice of 
the right to, and the opportunity for, a CDP hearing with Appeals with 
respect to the tax liability for the tax period for which the levy on 
the State tax refund was made on or after January 19, 1999, within a 
reasonable time after the levy has occurred. The notification required 
to be given following a levy on a State tax refund is referred to as a 
post-levy CDP Notice.
    (ii) Jeopardy. Section 6330 does not require the IRS to provide the 
taxpayer a notification of the taxpayer's right to

[[Page 3408]]

a CDP hearing prior to levy when there has been a determination that 
collection of the tax is in jeopardy. However, the district director, 
the service center director, and the Assistant Commissioner 
(International), or their successors, are required to provide notice of 
the right to, and the opportunity for, a CDP hearing with Appeals to 
the taxpayer with respect to any such levy issued on or after January 
19, 1999, within a reasonable time after the levy has occurred. The 
notification required to be given following a jeopardy levy is also 
referred to as post-levy CDP Notice.
    (3) Questions and answers. The questions and answers illustrate the 
provisions of this paragraph (a) as follows:
    Q-A1. Who is the ``person'' to be notified under section 6330? A-
A1. Under section 6330(a)(1), a pre-levy or post-levy CDP Notice is 
only required to be given to the person whose property or right to 
property is intended to be levied upon, or, in the case of a levy made 
on a State tax refund or in the case of a jeopardy levy, the person 
whose property or right to property was levied upon. The person 
described in section 6330(a)(1) is the same person described in section 
6331(a). Pursuant to section 6331(a), notice is to be given to the 
person liable to pay the tax due after notice and demand who refuses or 
neglects to pay (hereinafter referred to as the taxpayer).
    Q-A2. Will the IRS notify a known nominee of, a person holding 
property of, or a person who holds property subject to a lien with 
respect to the taxpayer of its intention to issue a levy?
    A-A2. No. Such a person is not the person described in section 
6331(a), but such persons have other remedies. See A-B5 of this 
paragraph (a)(3).
    Q-A3. Will the IRS give notification for each tax and tax period it 
intends to include or has included in a levy issued on or after January 
19, 1999?
    A-A3. Yes. The notification of intent to levy or of the issuance of 
a jeopardy or State tax refund levy will specify each tax and tax 
period that will be or was included in the levy.
    Q-A4. Will the IRS give notification to a taxpayer with respect to 
levies for a tax and tax period issued on or after January 19, 1999, 
even though the IRS had issued a levy prior to January 19, 1999, with 
respect to the same tax and tax period?
    A-A4. Yes. The IRS will provide appropriate pre-levy or post-levy 
notification to a taxpayer regarding the first levy it intends to issue 
or has issued on or after January 19, 1999, with respect to a tax and 
tax period, even though it had issued a levy with respect to that same 
tax and tax period prior to January 19, 1999.
    Q-A5. When will the IRS provide this notice?
    A-A5. Pursuant to section 6330(a)(1), beginning January 19, 1999, 
the IRS will give a pre-levy CDP Notice to the taxpayer of its intent 
to levy on property or rights to property, other than State tax refunds 
and in jeopardy levy situations, at least 30 days prior to the first 
such levy with respect to a tax and tax period. If the taxpayer has not 
received a pre-levy CDP Notice and the IRS levies on a State tax refund 
or issues a jeopardy levy on or after January 19, 1999, the IRS will 
provide a post-levy CDP Notice to the taxpayer within a reasonable time 
after that levy.
    Q-A6. What must the pre-levy CDP Notice include?
    A-A6. Pursuant to section 6330(a)(3), the notification must 
include, in simple and nontechnical terms:
    (i) The amount of the unpaid tax.
    (ii) Notification of the right to a hearing.
    (iii) A statement that the IRS intends to levy.
    (iv) The taxpayers's rights with respect to the levy action, 
including a brief statement that sets forth--
    (A) The statutory provisions relating to the levy and sale of 
property;
    (B) The procedure applicable to the levy and sale of property;
    (C) The administrative appeals available to the taxpayer with 
respect to levy and sale and the procedures relating to those appeals;
    (D) The alternatives available to taxpayers that could prevent levy 
on the property (including installment agreements);
    (E) The statutory provisions relating to redemption of property and 
the release of liens on property; and
    (F) The procedures applicable to the redemption of property and the 
release of liens on property.
    Q-A7. What must the post-levy CDP Notice include?
    A-A7. Pursuant to section 6330(a)(3), the notification must 
include, in simple and nontechnical terms:
    (i) The amount of the unpaid tax.
    (ii) Notification of the right to a hearing.
    (iii) A statement that the IRS has levied upon the taxpayer's State 
tax refund or has made a jeopardy levy on property or rights to 
property of the taxpayer, as appropriate.
    (iv) The taxpayer's rights with respect to the levy action, 
including a brief statement that sets forth--
    (A) The statutory provisions relating to the levy and sale of 
property;
    (B) The procedures applicable to the levy and sale of property;
    (C) The administrative appeals available to the taxpayer with 
respect to levy and sale and the procedures relating to those appeals;
    (D) The alternatives available to taxpayers that could prevent any 
further levies on the taxpayer's property (including installment 
agreements);
    (E) The statutory provisions relating to redemption of property and 
the release of liens on property; and
    (F) The procedures applicable to the redemption of property and the 
release of liens on property.
    Q-A8. How will this pre-levy or post-levy notification be 
accomplished?
    A-A8. (i) The IRS will notify the taxpayer by means of a pre-levy 
CDP Notice or a post-levy CDP Notice, as appropriate. The additional 
information IRS is required to provide, together with Form 12153, 
Request for a Collection Due Process Hearing, will be included with 
that Notice. The IRS may effect delivery of a pre-levy CDP Notice (and 
accompanying materials) in one of three ways:
    (A) By delivering the notice personally to the taxpayer.
    (B) By leaving the notice at the taxpayer's dwelling or usual place 
of business.
    (C) By mailing the notice to the taxpayer at the taxpayer's last 
known address by certified or registered mail, return receipt 
requested.
    (ii) The IRS may effect delivery of a post-levy CDP Notice (and 
accompanying materials) in one of three ways:
    (A) By delivering the notice personally to the taxpayer.
    (B) By leaving the notice at the taxpayer's dwelling or usual place 
of business.
    (C) By mailing the notice to the taxpayer at the taxpayer's last 
known address by certified or registered mail.
    Q-A9. What are the consequences if the taxpayer does not receive or 
accept the notification which was properly left at the taxpayer's 
dwelling or usual place of business, or properly sent by certified or 
registered mail, return receipt requested, to the taxpayer's last known 
address?
    A-A9. Notification properly sent to the taxpayer's last known 
address or left at the taxpayer's dwelling or usual place of business 
is sufficient to start the 30-day period within which the taxpayer may 
request a CDP hearing. Actual receipt is not a prerequisite to the 
validity of the notice.
    Q-A10. What if the taxpayer does not receive the CDP Notice because 
the IRS did not send that notice by certified or

[[Page 3409]]

registered mail to the taxpayer's last known address, or failed to 
leave it at the dwelling or usual place of business of the taxpayer, 
and the taxpayer fails to request a CDP hearing with Appeals within the 
30-day period commencing the day after the date of the CDP Notice?
    A-A10. When the IRS determines that it failed properly to provide a 
taxpayer with a CDP Notice, it will promptly provide the taxpayer with 
a substitute CDP Notice and provide the taxpayer with an opportunity to 
request a CDP hearing.
    (4) Examples. The following examples illustrate the principles of 
this paragraph (a):

    Example 1. Prior to January 19, 1999, the IRS issues a 
continuous levy on a taxpayer's wages and a levy on that taxpayer's 
fixed right to future payments. The IRS is not required to release 
either levy on or after January 19, 1999, until the requirements of 
section 6343(a)(1) are met. The taxpayer is not entitled to a CDP 
Notice or a CDP hearing under section 6330 with respect to either 
levy because both levy actions were initiated prior to January 19, 
1999.
    Example 2. The same facts as in Example 1, except the IRS 
intends to levy upon a taxpayer's bank account on or after January 
19, 1999. The taxpayer is entitled to a pre-levy CDP Notice with 
respect to this proposed new levy.

    (b) Entitlement to a CDP hearing--(1) In general. A taxpayer is 
entitled to one CDP hearing with respect to the tax and tax period 
covered by the pre-levy or post-levy CDP Notice provided the taxpayer. 
The taxpayer must request such a hearing within the 30-day period 
commencing on the day after the date of the CDP Notice.
    (2) Questions and answers. The questions and answers illustrate the 
provisions of this paragraph (b) as follows:
    Q-B1. Is the taxpayer entitled to a CDP hearing where a levy for 
State tax refunds is served on or after January 19, 1999, even though 
the IRS had previously served other levies prior to January 19, 1999, 
seeking to collect the taxes owed for the same period?
    A-B1. Yes. The taxpayer is entitled to a CDP hearing under section 
6330 for the tax and tax period set forth in such a levy issued on or 
after January 19, 1999.
    Q-B2. Is the taxpayer entitled to a CDP hearing when the IRS, more 
than 30 days after issuance of a CDP Notice with respect to a tax 
period, provides subsequent notice to that taxpayer that it intends to 
levy on property or rights to property of the taxpayer for the same tax 
and tax period shown on the CDP Notice?
    A-B2. No. Under section 6330, only the first pre-levy or post-levy 
Notice with respect to liabilities for a tax and tax period constitutes 
a CDP Notice. If the taxpayer does not timely request a CDP hearing 
with Appeals following that first notification, the taxpayer foregoes 
the right to a CDP hearing with Appeals and judicial review of 
Appeals's determination with respect to collection activity relating to 
that tax and tax period. The IRS generally provides additional notices 
or reminders (reminder notifications) to the taxpayer of its intent to 
levy when no collection action has occurred within 180 days of a 
proposed levy. Under such circumstances a taxpayer, however, may 
request an equivalent hearing as described in paragraph (i) of this 
section.
    Q-B3. When the IRS provides a taxpayer with a substitute CDP Notice 
and the taxpayer timely requests a CDP hearing, is the taxpayer 
entitled to a CDP Hearing before Appeals?
    A-B3. Yes. Unless the taxpayer provides the IRS a written 
withdrawal of the request that Appeals conduct a CDP hearing, the 
taxpayer is entitled to a CDP hearing before Appeals. Following the 
hearing, Appeals will issue a Notice of Determination, and the taxpayer 
is entitled to seek judicial review of that Notice of Determination.
    Q-B4. If the IRS sends a second CDP Notice under section 6330 
(other than a substitute CDP Notice) for a tax period and with respect 
to an amount of unpaid tax for which a section 6330 CDP Notice was 
previously sent, is the taxpayer entitled to a second section 6330 CDP 
hearing?
    A-B4. No. The taxpayer is entitled to only one CDP hearing under 
section 6330 with respect to the tax and tax period. The taxpayer must 
request the CDP hearing within 30 days of the date of the first CDP 
Notice provided for that tax and tax period.
    Q-B5. Will the IRS give pre-levy or post-levy CDP Notices to known 
nominees of, persons holding property of, or persons holding property 
subject to a lien with respect to the taxpayer?
    A-B5. No. Such person is not the person described in section 
6331(a) and is, therefore, not entitled to a CDP hearing or an 
equivalent hearing (as discussed in paragraph (i) of this section). 
Such person, however, may seek reconsideration by the IRS office 
collecting the tax, assistance from the National Taxpayer Advocate, or 
an administrative hearing before Appeals under its Collection Appeals 
Program. However, any such administrative hearing would not be a CDP 
hearing under section 6330 and any determination or decision resulting 
from the hearing would not be subject to judicial review.
    (c) Requesting a CDP hearing--(1) In general. Where a taxpayer is 
entitled to a CDP hearing under section 6330, such a hearing must be 
requested during the 30-day period that commences that day after the 
date of the CDP Notice.
    (2) Questions and answers. The questions and answers illustrate the 
provisions of this paragraph (c) as follows:
    Q-C1. What must a taxpayer do to obtain a CDP hearing?
    A-C1. (i) The taxpayer must make a request in writing for a CDP 
hearing. A written request in any form which requests a CDP hearing 
will be acceptable. The request must include the taxpayer's name, 
address, and daytime telephone number, and must be signed by the 
taxpayer or the taxpayer's authorized representative and dated. 
Included with the CDP Notice will be a Form 12153, Request for a 
Collection Due Process Hearing, that can be used by the taxpayer in 
requesting a CDP hearing. The Form 12153 requests the following 
information:
    (A) The taxpayer's name, address, daytime telephone number, and 
taxpayer identification number (SSN or TIN).
    (B) The type of tax involved.
    (C) The tax period at issue.
    (D) A statement that the taxpayer requests a hearing with Appeals 
concerning the proposed collection activity.
    (E) The reason or reasons why the taxpayer disagrees with the 
proposed collection action.
    (ii) Taxpayers are encouraged to use a Form 12153 in requesting a 
CDP hearing so that such a request can be readily identified and 
forwarded to Appeals. Taxpayers may obtain a copy of Form 12153 by 
contacting the IRS office that issued the CDP Notice or by calling, 
toll free, 1-800-829-3676.
    Q-C2. Must the request for the CDP hearing be in writing?
    A-C2. Yes. There are several reasons why the request for a CDP 
hearing must be in writing. First, the filing of a timely request for a 
CDP hearing is the first step in what may result in a court proceeding. 
A written request will provide proof that the CDP hearing was requested 
and thus permit the court to verify that it has jurisdiction over any 
subsequent appeal of the Notice of Determination issued by Appeals. In 
addition, the receipt of the written request will establish the date on 
which the periods of limitation under section 6502 (relating to 
collection after assessment), section 6531 (relating to criminal 
prosecutions), and section

[[Page 3410]]

6532 (relating to suits) are suspended as a result of the CDP hearing 
and any judicial appeal. Moreover, because the IRS anticipates that 
taxpayers will contact the IRS office that issued the CDP Notice for 
further information, for help in filling out Form 12153, or in an 
attempt to resolve their liabilities prior to going through the CDP 
hearing process, the requirement of a written request should help to 
prevent any misunderstanding as to whether a CDP hearing has been 
requested. If the information requested on Form 12153 is furnished by 
the taxpayer, the written request will also help to establish the 
issues for which the taxpayer seeks a determination by Appeals.
    Q-C3. When must a taxpayer request a CDP hearing with respect to a 
CDP Notice issued under section 6330?
    A-C3. A taxpayer must submit a written request for a CDP hearing 
with respect to a CDP Notice issued under section 6330 within the 30-
day period commencing the day after the date of the CDP Notice. This 
period is slightly different from the period allowed taxpayers to 
submit a written request for a CDP hearing with respect to a CDP Notice 
issued under section 6320. For a CDP Notice issued under section 6320, 
a taxpayer must submit a written request for a CDP hearing within the 
30-day period commencing the day after the end of the five business day 
period following the filing of the notice of federal tax lien (NFTL).
    Q-C4. How will the timeliness of a taxpayer's written request for a 
CDP hearing be determined?
    A-C4. The rules under section 7502 and the regulations thereunder 
and section 7503 and the regulations thereunder will apply to determine 
the timeliness of the taxpayer's request for a CDP hearing, if properly 
transmitted and addressed as provided in A-C6 of this paragraph (c)(2).
    Q-C5. Is the 30-day period within which a taxpayer must make a 
request for a CDP hearing extended because the taxpayer resides outside 
the United States?
    A-C5. No. Section 6330 does not make provision for such a 
circumstance. Accordingly, all taxpayers who want a CDP hearing under 
section 6330 must request such a hearing within the 30-day period 
commencing the day after the date of the CDP Notice.
    Q-C6. Where should the written request for a CDP hearing be sent?
    A-C6. The written request for a CDP hearing should be filed with 
the IRS office that issued the CDP Notice at the address indicated on 
the CDP Notice. If the address of that office is not known, the request 
may be sent to the District Director serving the district of the 
taxpayer's residence or principal place of business. If the taxpayer 
does not have a residence or principal place of business in the United 
States, the request may be sent to the Director, Philadelphia Service 
Center.
    Q-C7. What will happen if the taxpayer does not request a section 
6330 CDP hearing in writing within the 30-day period commencing on the 
day after the date of the CDP Notice?
    A-C7. If the taxpayer does not request a CDP hearing with Appeals 
within the 30-day period commencing the day after the date of the CDP 
Notice, the taxpayer will forego the right to a CDP hearing under 
section 6330 with respect to the tax and tax period or periods shown on 
the CDP Notice. In addition, the IRS will be free to pursue collection 
action at the conclusion of the 30-day period following the date of the 
CDP Notice. The taxpayer may, however, request an equivalent hearing. 
See paragraph (i) of this section.
    Q-C8. When must a taxpayer request a CDP hearing with respect to a 
substitute CDP Notice?
    A-C8. A CDP hearing with respect to a substitute CDP Notice must be 
requested in writing by the taxpayer prior to the end of the 30-day 
period commencing the day after the date of the substitute CDP Notice.
    Q-C9. Can taxpayers attempt to resolve the matter of the proposed 
levy with an officer or employee of the IRS office collecting the tax 
liability stated on the CDP Notice either before or after requesting a 
CDP hearing?
    A-C9. Yes. Taxpayers are encouraged to discuss their concerns with 
the IRS office collecting the tax, either before or after they request 
a CDP hearing. If such a discussion occurs before a request is made for 
a CDP hearing, the matter may be resolved without the need for Appeals 
consideration. However, these discussions do not suspend the running of 
the 30-day period within which the taxpayer is required to request a 
CDP hearing, nor do they extend that 30-day period. If discussions 
occur after the request for a CDP hearing is filed and the taxpayer 
resolves the matter with the IRS office collecting the tax, the 
taxpayer may withdraw in writing the request that a CDP hearing be 
conducted by Appeals. The taxpayer can also waive in writing some or 
all of the requirements regarding the contents of the Notice of 
Determination.
    (d) Conduct of CDP hearing--(1) In general. If a taxpayer requests 
a CDP hearing under section 6330(a)(3)(B) (and does not withdraw that 
request), the CDP hearing will be held with Appeals. The taxpayer is 
entitled to only one CDP hearing under section 6330 with respect to the 
tax and tax period or periods shown on the CDP Notice. To the extent 
practicable, the CDP hearing requested under section 6330 will be held 
in conjunction with any CDP hearing the taxpayer requests under section 
6320. A CDP hearing will be conducted by an employee or officer of 
Appeals who has had no involvement with respect to the tax for the tax 
period or periods covered by the hearing prior to the first CDP hearing 
under section 6320 or section 6330, unless the taxpayer waives that 
requirement.
    (2) Questions and answers. The questions and answers illustrate the 
provisions of this paragraph (d) as follows:
    Q-D1. Under what circumstances can a taxpayer receive more than one 
CDP hearing with respect to a tax period?
    A-D1. The taxpayer may receive more than one CDP hearing with 
respect to a tax period where the tax involved is a different type of 
tax (for example, an employment tax liability, where the original CDP 
hearing for the tax period involved an income tax liability), or where 
the same type of tax for the same period is involved, but where the 
amount of the tax has changed as a result of an additional assessment 
of tax for that period or an additional accuracy-related or filing 
delinquency penalty has been assessed. The taxpayer is not entitled to 
another CDP hearing if the additional assessment represents accruals of 
interest or accruals of penalties.
    Q-D2. Will a CDP hearing with respect to one tax period be combined 
with a CDP hearing with respect to another tax period?
    A-D2. To the extent practicable, a hearing with respect to one tax 
period shown on a CDP Notice will be combined with any and all other 
hearings to which the taxpayer may be entitled with respect to other 
tax periods shown on the CDP Notice.
    Q-D3. Will a CDP hearing under section 6330 be combined with a CDP 
hearing under section 6320?
    A-D3. To the extent it is practicable, a CDP hearing under section 
6330 will be held in conjunction with a CDP hearing under section 6320.
    Q-D4. What is considered to be prior involvement by an employee or 
officer of Appeals with respect to the tax and tax period or periods 
involved in the hearing?
    A-D4. Prior involvement by an employee or officer of Appeals 
includes participation or involvement in an Appeals hearing (other than 
a CDP hearing held under either section 6320 or section 6330) that the 
taxpayer may

[[Page 3411]]

have had with respect to the tax and tax period shown on the CDP 
Notice.
    Q-D5. How can a taxpayer waive the requirement that the officer or 
employee of Appeals had no prior involvement with respect to the tax 
and tax period or periods?
    A-D5. The taxpayer must sign a written waiver.
    (e) Matters considered at CDP hearing--(1) In general. Appeals has 
the authority to determine the validity, sufficiency, and timeliness of 
any CDP Notice given by the IRS and of any request for a CDP hearing 
that is made by a taxpayer. Prior to issuance of a determination, the 
hearing officer is required to obtain verification from the IRS office 
collecting the tax that the requirements of any applicable law or 
administrative procedure have been met. The taxpayer may raise any 
relevant issue relating to the unpaid tax at the hearing, including 
appropriate spousal defenses, challenges to the appropriateness of the 
proposed collection action, and offers of collection alternatives. The 
taxpayer also may raise challenges to the existence or amount of the 
tax liability for any tax period shown on the CDP Notice if the 
taxpayer did not receive a statutory notice of deficiency for that tax 
liability or did not otherwise have an opportunity to dispute that tax 
liability. Finally, the taxpayer may not raise an issue that was raised 
and considered at a previous CDP hearing under section 6320 or in any 
other previous administrative or judicial proceeding if the taxpayer 
participated meaningfully in such hearing or proceeding. Taxpayers will 
be expected to provide all relevant information requested by Appeals, 
including financial statements, for its consideration of the facts and 
issues involved in the hearing.
    (2) Spousal defenses. A taxpayer may raise any appropriate spousal 
defenses at a CDP hearing. To claim a spousal defense under section 
6015, the taxpayer must do so in writing according to rules prescribed 
by the Secretary. Spousal defenses raised under section 6015 in a CDP 
hearing are governed in all respects by the provisions of section 6015 
and the procedures prescribed by the Secretary thereunder.
    (3) Questions and answers. The questions and answers illustrate the 
provisions of this paragraph (e) as follows:
    Q-E1. What factors will Appeals consider in making its 
determination?
    A-E1. Appeals will consider the following matters in making its 
determination:
    (i) Whether the IRS met the requirements of any applicable law or 
administrative procedure.
    (ii) Any issues appropriately raised by the taxpayer relating to 
the unpaid tax.
    (iii) Any appropriate spousal defenses raised by the taxpayer.
    (iv) Any challenges made by the taxpayer to the appropriateness of 
the proposed collection action.
    (v) Any offers by the taxpayer for collection alternatives.
    (vi) Whether the proposed collection action balances the need for 
the efficient collection of taxes and the legitimate concern of the 
taxpayer that any collection action be no more intrusive than 
necessary.
    Q-E2. When is a taxpayer entitled to challenge the existence or 
amount of the tax liability specified in the CDP Notice?
    A-E2. A taxpayer is entitled to challenge the existence or amount 
of the tax liability specified in the CDP Notice if the taxpayer did 
not receive a statutory notice of deficiency for such liability or did 
not otherwise have an opportunity to dispute such liability. Receipt of 
a statutory notice of deficiency for this purpose means receipt in time 
to petition the Tax Court for a redetermination of the deficiency 
asserted in the notice of deficiency. An opportunity to dispute a 
liability includes a prior opportunity for a conference with Appeals 
that was offered either before or after the assessment of the 
liability.
    Q-E3. Are spousal defenses subject to the limitations imposed under 
section 6330(c)(2)(B) on a taxpayer's right to challenge the tax 
liability specified in the CDP Notice at a CDP hearing?
    A-E3. No. The limitations imposed under section 6330(c)(2)(B) do 
not apply to spousal defenses. A spousal defense raised under section 
6015 is governed by that section; therefore any limitations under 
section 6015 will apply.
    Q-E4. May a taxpayer raise at a CDP hearing a spousal defense under 
section 6015 if that defense was raised and considered in a prior 
judicial proceeding that has become final?
    A-E4. No. A taxpayer is precluded by limitations under section 6015 
from raising a spousal defense under section 6015 in a CDP hearing 
under these circumstances.
    Q-E5. What collection alternatives are available to the taxpayer?
    A-E5. Collection alternatives would include, for example, a 
proposal to withhold the proposed or future collection action in 
circumstances that will facilitate the collection of the tax liability, 
an installment agreement, an offer-in-compromise, the posting of a 
bond, or the substitution of other assets.
    Q-E6. What issues may a taxpayer raise in a CDP hearing under 
section 6330 if he previously received a notice under section 6320 with 
respect to the same tax and tax period and did not request a CDP 
hearing with respect to that notice?
    A-E6. The taxpayer may raise appropriate spousal defenses, 
challenges to the appropriateness of the proposed collection action, 
and offers of collection alternatives. The existence or amount of the 
tax liability for the tax for the tax period shown in the CDP Notice 
may be challenged only if the taxpayer did not already have an 
opportunity to dispute that tax liability. Where the taxpayer 
previously received a CDP Notice under section 6320 with respect to the 
same tax and tax period and did not request a CDP hearing with respect 
to that earlier CDP Notice, the taxpayer already had an opportunity to 
dispute the existence or amount of the underlying tax liability.
    Q-E7. How will Appeals issue its determination?
    A-E7. (i) Taxpayers will be sent a dated Notice of Determination by 
certified or registered mail. The Notice of Determination will set 
forth Appeals's findings and decisions:
    (A) It will state whether the IRS met the requirements of any 
applicable law or administrative procedure.
    (B) It will resolve any issues appropriately raised by the taxpayer 
relating to the unpaid tax.
    (C) It will include a decision on any appropriate spousal defenses 
raised by the taxpayer.
    (D) It will include a decision on any challenges made by the 
taxpayer to the appropriateness of the collection action.
    (E) It will respond to any offers by the taxpayer for collection 
alternatives.
    (F) It will address whether the proposed collection action 
represents a balance between the need for the efficient collection of 
taxes and the legitimate concern of the taxpayer that any collection 
action be no more intrusive than necessary.
    (ii) The Notice of Determination will also set forth any agreements 
that Appeals reached with the taxpayer, any relief given the taxpayer, 
and any actions the taxpayer and/or the IRS are required to take. 
Lastly, the Notice of Determination will advise the taxpayer of his 
right to seek judicial review within 30 days of the date of the Notice 
of Determination.
    (iii) Because taxpayers are encouraged to discuss their concerns 
with the IRS office collecting the tax or filing the NFTL, certain 
matters that might have been raised at a CDP hearing may be resolved 
without the need for Appeals

[[Page 3412]]

consideration. Unless as a result of these discussions, the taxpayer 
agrees in writing to withdraw the request that Appeals conduct a CDP 
hearing, Appeals will still issue a Notice of Determination, but the 
taxpayer can waive in writing Appeals's consideration of some or all of 
the matters it would otherwise consider in making its determination.
    Q-E8. Is there a time limit on the CDP hearings or on when Appeals 
must issue a Notice of Determination?
    A-E8. No. Appeals will, however, attempt to conduct CDP hearings as 
expeditiously as possible.
    Q-E9. Why is the Notice of Determination and its date important?
    A-E9. The Notice of Determination will set forth Appeals's findings 
and decisions with respect to the matters set forth in A-E1 of this 
paragraph (e)(3). The date of the Notice of Determination establishes 
the beginning date of the 30-day period within which the taxpayer is 
permitted to seek judicial review of Appeals's determination.
    (4) Examples. The following examples illustrate the principles of 
this paragraph (e).

    Example 1. The IRS sends a statutory notice of deficiency to the 
taxpayer at his last known address asserting a deficiency for the 
tax year 1995. The taxpayer receives the notice of deficiency in 
time to petition the Tax Court for a redetermination of the asserted 
deficiency. The taxpayer does not timely file a petition with the 
Tax Court. The taxpayer is therefore precluded from challenging the 
existence or amount of the tax liability in a subsequent CDP 
hearing.
    Example 2. Same facts as in Example 1, except the taxpayer does 
not receive the notice of deficiency in time to petition the Tax 
Court. The taxpayer is not, therefore, precluded from challenging 
the existence or amount of the tax liability in a subsequent CDP 
hearing.
    Example 3. The IRS properly assesses a trust fund recovery 
penalty against the taxpayer. The IRS offers the taxpayer the 
opportunity for a conference at which the taxpayer would have the 
opportunity to dispute the assessed liability. The taxpayer declines 
the opportunity to participate in such a conference. The taxpayer is 
precluded from challenging the existence or amount of the tax 
liability in a subsequent CDP hearing.

    (f) Judicial review of Notice of Determination--(1) In general. 
Unless the taxpayer provides the IRS a written withdrawal of the 
request that Appeals conduct a CDP hearing, Appeals is required to 
issue a Notice of Determination in all cases where a taxpayer has 
timely requested a CDP hearing. The taxpayer may appeal such 
determinations made by Appeals within 30 days after the date of the 
Notice of Determination to the Tax Court or a district court of the 
United States, as appropriate.
    (2) Questions and answers. The questions and answers illustrate the 
provisions of this paragraph (f) as follows:
    Q-F1. What must a taxpayer do to obtain judicial review of a Notice 
of Determination?
    A-F1. Subject to the jurisdictional limitations described in A-F2 
of this paragraph (f)(2), the taxpayer must, within the 30-day period 
commencing the day after the date of the Notice of Determination, 
appeal Appeals's determination to the Tax Court or to a district court 
of the United States.
    Q-F2. With respect to the relief available to the taxpayer under 
section 6015(b) or (c), what is the time frame within which a taxpayer 
may seek Tax Court review of Appeals's determination following a CDP 
hearing?
    A-F2. If the taxpayer seeks Tax Court review not only of Appeals's 
denial of relief under section 6015(b) or (c), but also of relief with 
respect to other issues raised in the CDP hearing, the taxpayer should 
request Tax Court review within the 30-day period commencing the day 
after the date of the Notice of Determination. If the taxpayer only 
wants Tax Court review of Appeals's denial of relief under section 
6015(b) or (c), the taxpayer should request review by the Tax Court, as 
provided by section 6015(e), within 90 days of Appeals's determination. 
If a request for Tax Court review is filed after the 30-day period for 
seeking judicial review under section 6330, then only the taxpayer's 
section 6015(b) or (c) claims may be reviewable by the Tax Court.
    Q-F3. Where should a taxpayer direct a request for judicial review 
of a Notice of Determination?
    A-F3. If the Tax Court would have jurisdiction over the type of tax 
specified in the CDP Notice (for example, income and estate taxes), 
then the taxpayer must seek judicial review by the Tax Court. If the 
tax liability arises from a type of tax over which the Tax Court would 
not have jurisdiction, then the taxpayer must seek judicial review by a 
district court of the United States in accordance with Title 28 of the 
United States Code.
    Q-F4. What happens if the taxpayer timely appeals Appeals's 
determination to the incorrect court?
    A-F4. If the court to which the taxpayer directed a timely appeal 
of the Notice of Determination determines that the appeal was to the 
incorrect court (because of jurisdictional, venue or other reasons), 
the taxpayer will have 30 days after the court's determination to that 
effect within which to file an appeal to the correct court.
    Q-F5. What issue or issues may the taxpayer raise before the Tax 
Court or before a district court if the taxpayer disagrees with the 
Notice of Determination?
    A-F5. In seeking Tax Court or district court review of Appeals's 
Notice of Determination, the taxpayer can only ask the court to 
consider an issue that was raised in the taxpayer's CDP hearing.
    (g) Effect of request for CDP hearing and judicial review on 
periods of limitation--(1) In general. The periods of limitation under 
section 6502 (relating to collection after assessment), section 6531 
(relating to criminal prosecutions), and section 6532 (relating to 
suits) are suspended until the date the IRS receives the taxpayer's 
written withdrawal of the request for a CDP hearing by Appeals or the 
determination resulting from the CDP hearing becomes final by 
expiration of the time for seeking review or reconsideration. In no 
event shall any of these periods of limitation expire before the 90th 
day after the date on which the determination with respect to such 
hearing becomes final upon expiration of the time for seeking review or 
reconsideration.
    (2) Questions and answers. The questions and answers illustrate the 
provisions of this paragraph (g) as follows:
    Q-G1. For what period of time will the periods of limitation under 
section 6502, section 6531, and section 6532 remain suspended if the 
taxpayer timely requests a CDP hearing concerning a pre-levy or post-
levy CDP Notice?
    A-G1. The suspension period commences on the date the IRS receives 
the taxpayer's written request for a CDP hearing. The suspension period 
continues until the IRS receives a written withdrawal by the taxpayer 
of the request for a CDP hearing or the determination resulting from 
the CDP hearing becomes final by expiration of the time for seeking its 
review or reconsideration. In no event shall any of these periods of 
limitation expire before the 90th day after the day on which there is a 
final determination with respect to such hearing. The periods of 
limitation that are suspended under section 6330 are those which apply 
to the taxes and the tax period or periods to which the CDP Notice 
relates.
    Q-G2. For what period of time will the periods of limitation under 
section 6502, section 6531, and section 6532 be suspended if the 
taxpayer does not request a CDP hearing concerning the CDP Notice, or 
the taxpayer requests a

[[Page 3413]]

CDP hearing, but his request is not timely?
    A-G2. Under either of these circumstances, section 6330 does not 
provide for a suspension of the periods of limitation.
    (3) Examples. The following examples illustrate the principles of 
this paragraph (g).

    Example 1. The period of limitation under section 6502 with 
respect to the taxpayer's tax period listed in the CDP Notice will 
expire on August 1, 1999. The IRS sent a CDP Notice to the taxpayer 
on April 30, 1999. The taxpayer timely requested a CDP hearing. The 
IRS received this request on May 15, 1999. Appeals sends the 
taxpayer its determination on June 15, 1999. The taxpayer timely 
seeks judicial review of that determination. The period of 
limitation under section 6502 would be suspended from May 15, 1999, 
until the determination resulting from that hearing becomes final by 
expiration of the time for seeking review or reconsideration before 
the appropriate court, plus 90 days.
    Example 2. Same facts as in Example 1, except the taxpayer does 
not seek judicial review of Appeals's determination. Because the 
taxpayer requested the CDP hearing when fewer than 90 days remained 
on the period of limitation, the period of limitation will be 
extended to October 13, 1999 (90 days from July 15, 1999).

    (h) Retained jurisdiction of Appeals--(1) In general. The Appeals 
office that makes a determination under section 6330 retains 
jurisdiction over that determination, including any subsequent 
administrative hearings that may be requested by the taxpayer regarding 
levies and any collection actions taken or proposed with respect to 
Appeals's determination. Once a taxpayer has exhausted his other 
remedies, Appeals's retained jurisdiction permits it to consider 
whether a change in the taxpayer's circumstances affects its original 
determination. Where a taxpayer alleges a change in circumstances that 
affects Appeals's original determination, Appeals may consider whether 
changed circumstances warrant a change in its earlier determination.
    (2) Questions and answers. The questions and answers illustrate the 
provisions of this paragraph (h) as follows:
    Q-H1. Are the periods of limitation suspended during the course of 
any subsequent Appeals consideration of the matters raised by a 
taxpayer when the taxpayer invokes the retained jurisdiction of Appeals 
under section 6330(d)(2)(A) or (d)(2)(B)?
    A-H1. No. Under section 6330(b)(2), a taxpayer is entitled to only 
one section 6330 CDP hearing with respect to the tax and tax period or 
periods to which the unpaid tax relates. Any subsequent consideration 
by Appeals pursuant to its retained jurisdiction is not a continuation 
of the original CDP hearing and does not suspend the periods of 
limitation.
    Q-H2. Is a decision of Appeals resulting from a subsequent hearing 
appealable to the Tax Court or a district court?
    A-H2. No. As discussed in A-H1, a taxpayer is entitled to only one 
section 6330 CDP hearing with respect to the tax and tax period or 
periods specified in the CDP Notice. Only determinations resulting from 
CDP hearings are appealable to the Tax Court or a district court.
    (i) Equivalent hearing--(1) In general. A taxpayer who fails to 
make a timely request for a CDP hearing is not entitled to a CDP 
hearing. Such a taxpayer may nevertheless request an administrative 
hearing with Appeals, which is referred to herein as an ``equivalent 
hearing.'' The equivalent hearing will be held by Appeals and will 
generally follow Appeals procedures for a CDP hearing. Appeals will 
not, however, issue a Notice of Determination. Under such 
circumstances, Appeals will issue a Decision Letter.
    (2) Questions and answers. The questions and answers illustrate the 
provisions of this paragraph (i) as follows:
    Q-I1. What issues will Appeals consider at an equivalent hearing?
    A-I1. In an equivalent hearing, Appeals will consider the same 
issues that it would have considered at a CDP hearing on the same 
matter.
    Q-I2. Are the periods of limitation under sections 6502, 6531, and 
6532 suspended if the taxpayer does not timely request a CDP hearing 
and is subsequently given an equivalent hearing?
    A-I2. No. The suspension period provided for in section 6330(e) 
relates only to hearings requested within the 30-day period that 
commences the day following the date of the pre-levy or post-levy CDP 
Notice, that is, CDP hearings.
    Q-I3. Will collection action be suspended if a taxpayer requests 
and receives an equivalent hearing?
    A-I3. Collection action is not required to be suspended. 
Accordingly, the decision to take collection action during the pendency 
of an equivalent hearing will be determined on a case-by-case basis. 
Appeals may request the IRS office with responsibility for collecting 
the taxes to suspend all or some collection action or to take other 
appropriate action if it determines that such action is appropriate or 
necessary under the circumstances.
    Q-I4. What will the Decision Letter state?
    A-I4. The Decision Letter will generally contain the same 
information as a Notice of Determination.
    Q-I5. Will a taxpayer be able to obtain court review of a decision 
made by Appeals with respect to an equivalent hearing?
    A-I5. Section 6330 does not authorize a taxpayer to appeal the 
decision of Appeals with respect to an equivalent hearing. A taxpayer 
may under certain circumstances be able to seek Tax Court review of 
Appeals's denial of relief under section 6015(b) or (c). Such review 
must be sought within 90 days of the issuance of Appeals' determination 
on those issues, as provided by section 6015(e).
    (j) Effective date. This section is applicable with respect to any 
levy which occurs on or after January 19, 1999, and before January 21, 
2002.
Robert E. Wenzel,
Deputy Commissioner of Internal Revenue.
    Approved: January 13, 1999.
Donald C. Lubick,
Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
[FR Doc. 99-1412 Filed 1-19-99; 10:56 am]
BILLING CODE 4830-01-U