How to get your passport restored if it has been restricted due to delinquent taxes.

In prior blogs, I have discussed how the Passport Restriction program works and listed some exceptions to the rule.  Now I will list ways to get the restrictions lifted.  (1) Pay the debt in full. (2) Enter into a full-pay Installment Agreement. (3) Pay down the debt to under $50,000 and enter into a Streamline Installment Agreement. (4) If the debt is under $100,000 an expedited Installment Agreement may be possible.  Note that simply paying down the tax to under $50,000 will not release the restriction. The taxpayer must be in a plan to pay the debt in full. A streamline or expedited agreement is the fastest way to get in good standing.  Be aware that after the IRS agrees you are in good standing they can still take 30 to 60 days to notify the State Department. One can also appeal the imposition of the restriction in Federal District Court or Tax Court, but this process will take from six months to more than a year to get to a hearing.  To check on your status, you may call the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778.