Summer Travel Plans? Don’t Let the IRS Cancel Your Passport

It’s that time of year again—sunshine, suitcases, and spontaneous getaways. But before you zip up your carry-on and head to the airport, here’s a real-life story that might make you pause.

Recently, I had a client who was planning a dream trip to Europe. Flights were booked, hotels selected, and the countdown had begun. But there was one big problem: they didn’t factor in the IRS lien that had been quietly placed on their property.

Turns out, when you owe the IRS enough and don’t have a resolution in place, that debt can come back around in a very real way—by blocking your ability to renew or use your passport.

An IRS tax lien is no joke.

And honestly?

It’s not that hard to get. No one aims to earn one, but let’s be real—life happens. A missed tax return, back taxes from self-employment, or a financial emergency can quickly spiral into something bigger. And once a lien is filed and the IRS certifies your debt as “seriously delinquent,” your passport could be suspended or denied renewal.

Not exactly the souvenir you were hoping for.

If you're curious how this all works and what warning signs to look out for, I wrote an article breaking it down:
👉 IRS Tax Debt and Travel Dreams: The Link Between Tax Liens and Passport Revocation

If you’ve been ignoring those letters in the mail or just feel like life crept up on you, you’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. There are real, legal solutions to get back on track and protect your passport before it's too late.

🧳 Summer is for memories, not missed flights. If you think your IRS debt might be putting your travel at risk, let’s talk. I help people untangle tax problems every day—and I’d be glad to help you, too.