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The Daily Insight

When does the collection statute expire on a tax assessment?

Author

Mia Ramsey

Published Feb 13, 2026

Background. Each tax assessment has a Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED). Internal Revenue Code section 6502 provides that the length of the period for collection after assessment of a tax liability is 10 years. The collection statute expiration ends the government’s right to pursue collection of a liability.

When does the collection statute expire in IRM 5.14.2?

IRM 5.14.2, Partial Payment Installment Agreements and the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED) In addition to Transaction Code (TC) 150 – Tax Assessed, there are certain other TC codes that carry their own CSEDs. Also, there are other TC codes that suspend or extend the expiration date.

When does the collection period for a tax waiver end?

The collection period is suspended from the filing of the claim until the earlier of the date a waiver is filed, or until the expiration of the 90-day period for petitioning the Tax Court, or if a Tax Court petition is filed, when the Tax Court decision becomes final, plus, in each instance, 60 days.

When does the IRS start the collection process?

If you don’t pay your tax in full when you file your tax return, you’ll receive a bill for the amount you owe. This bill starts the collection process, which continues until your account is satisfied or until the IRS may no longer legally collect the tax; for example, when the time or period for collection expires.

When does the Statute of limitations expire on a tax return?

For all tax returns which are filed (whether timely or late filed), statute controls are established no later than 180 days prior to the normal assessment statute expiration date (based on the later of the date the return was filed or due, without regard to extensions).

When does the RRA 98 collection statute expire?

RRA 98 significantly revised the law regarding CSED waivers. Extensions in effect on December 31, 1999, as well as requests for extensions made on or before December 31, 1999, that resulted in extension being in effect, are subject to the following: The period for collection expires 90 days after the date specified in the waiver.

Can a federal tax collector collect after 10 years?

This means that under normal circumstances the IRS can no longer pursue collections action against you if 10 years have passed since the clock started on your tax debt. A fairly lengthy list of actions can occur that will allow the IRS to extend that 10 year period, however.