Collection Statute End Date

I filed my 2003 federal return on time and got a letter from the IRS saying I owe $14000. Can the IRS stay after me forever or until the entire amount is paid?

No. There is a Collection Statute End Date (CSED) of 10 years. From the time you file your return the IRS has up to 3 years to assess tax liability. The date the tax is assessed begins a 10 year period of time during which the IRS can collect from you. Once this 10 year statute has expired you cannot be held liable for the debt. This applies to liens as well, once the statute expires the lien is automatically released. However there are certain actions that can extend the CSED such as Bankruptcy, a Collection Due Process Hearing, a pending Offer in Compromise, military deferment for those out of the country and for taxpayers currently living outside of the US. In some negotiation the IRS will accept certain repayment terms if the taxpayer agrees to extend the statute. Also, since nonfiling can be regarded as a criminal offense there is no statute on an unfiled return.