Active collection is paused (often for hardship) — the debt still exists. Here is what it means, what usually happens next, and what to do.
On your account transcript it reads: 530 Balance due account currently not collectible Hold or watch
TC 530 means the IRS placed the balance in Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status — typically because paying would cause financial hardship, or because the IRS cannot locate or collect from you. Active collection stops.
Also written as: IRS code 530, code 530 on transcript, 530 IRS code, transaction code 530.
The debt is not forgiven: interest and penalties continue, future refunds are generally applied to it (826), and the IRS reviews your income periodically. A balance that remains unpaid can expire at the end of the collection statute, generally 10 years from assessment.
| On the same transcript | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| 530 with 826 on later years | Refunds applied to the CNC balance. |
| 530 reversed | Collection resumed — often after income rises. |
Missed returns can end CNC status.
Offsets continue during CNC.
Improved finances can reactivate collection.
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Decode my transcript →No. Collection pauses, but the debt, interest and penalties remain until paid or the collection statute expires.
Yes — refunds are generally applied to the balance.
On your IRS account transcript for the tax year — in your IRS Online Account under tax records, or by mail using Form 4506-T. The transactions section lists each code with its description, date and amount. Return transcripts do not show transaction codes.
Yes. IRS code 530, code 530 on transcript, transaction code 530 and TC 530 all refer to the same three-digit transaction code the IRS posts to your account.