What is an IRS Tax Lien, and How Can It Be Removed?

From payroll taxes to income taxes, capital gains taxes to estate taxes and beyond, there are numerous tax obligations that a taxpayer may find himself or herself required to pay – particularly if he or she operates a business, owns a home, or holds substantial assets. Unfortunately for the unlucky taxpayer who falls behind on his or her federal or state tax obligations, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the FTB, CDTFA and EDD can take aggressive measures to enforce and collect a delinquent tax debt, up to and including the imposition of a tax lien. The bad news is that a tax lien is a serious financial issue which may lower your credit score, harm your small business, and potentially even complicate the sale of your home, depending on how efficiently the lien is addressed. The good news is that, with skilled and strategic handling by an experienced tax lien attorney, it may be possible to have the lien removed or withdrawn to avoid these consequences. Read on to learn more about how tax liens work, why and when liens are applied, and perhaps most importantly, what steps you can take to get rid of a tax lien on your real property or other assets.

What is a Tax Lien, and When Does the IRS, CDTFA, EDD and FTB Use Them?

First, it is important to distinguish between a tax lien and a tax levy. If you are looking for assistance with a tax levy, such as the release of a wage levy, our IRS tax levy attorneys are ready to provide you with a reduced-rate consultation. Otherwise, continue reading for a discussion of tax liens.

Unlike a levy, which is the actual seizure of funds or property to satisfy an unpaid debt, a lien is merely a legal claim against your property, the purpose of which is to secure the taxing authorities interest in your property, such as your home or personal vehicle. Liens are utilized when a taxpayer fails to pay tax debts, such as unpaid federal income tax debts, which have been assessed.

By way of example, three criteria must be satisfied before the IRS may create a tax lien:

1. First, the IRS must assess your tax liability, or determine how much tax is due. This is referred to as “putting your balance due on the books.”
2. Next, the IRS must formally notify you of the tax liability. Specifically, you should receive something called a “CP501 Notice” (Notice and Demand for Payment). This notice should explain the source of the debt, the amount you owe, the due date for payment, and other key pieces of information. If you do not respond to the CP501 Notice, you may receive a CP502 Notice as follow-up.
3. If you fail to pay in a complete and timely manner after receiving the notices described above, whether willfully or negligently, the IRS may then file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL), establishing a lien. Be advised that the NFTL exists in the public record, and is accessible by creditors.

Thousands of debt resolution companies buy data base listings of all new tax liens and this explains the deluge of junk mail that invariably follows the posting of a tax lien.   Unfortunately, many debt resolution companies are disreputable and can often do more harm than good.

3 Ways to Handle an IRS Tax Lien

While a lien is perhaps less extreme than a levy, that does not mean a federal tax lien should be taken lightly. On the contrary, it is essential to respond swiftly and aggressively with support from a knowledgeable tax attorney, who can help you navigate the process with maximum efficiency – and minimum financial damage.

The simplest and most straightforward way to eliminate a federal tax lien is, perhaps unsurprisingly, to pay the tax debt in full, which should result in a release of the lien within 30 days of payment. However, if you owe a substantial amount, paying off the debt right away may not be financially feasible. Alternately, you may disagree with the reasoning that forms the basis of the lien. Fortunately, there are steps you can take should you find yourself in such a scenario, including the following:

• Get organized and check your credit report. As with any tax controversy, the first step toward resolution is to gather as much financial documentation as possible, including your CP501/CP502 Notice and NFTL. It is essential to confirm what you owe before you dive into the repayment process without a clear long-term strategy. For accuracy, you should compare your IRS notices against your credit report, which should reflect any tax liens that are currently attached to your property or assets.
• Apply for a “Fresh Start.” The IRS offers a “Fresh Start” program for eligible taxpayers. By participating in the Fresh Start program, qualified taxpayers can obtain a withdrawal of the NFTL, resulting in release of the lien. Taxpayers must meet various qualifications to have a federal tax lien withdrawn, including:
  1. Being up-to-date on all tax returns (i.e. having no back taxes to catch up on).
  2. Being current on federal tax deposits and estimated tax payments, where applicable.

• Fight the tax lien using the IRS appeals process. When a taxpayer disagrees with the results of an IRS audit, he or she may challenge the IRS’ findings by initiating a process known as “appeal” or “appeals” with help from an IRS appeals attorney. There are three ways to challenge a federal tax lien:
  1. Apply for a discharge of the lien. This process is initiated when the taxpayer, with assistance from an experienced tax attorney, files an Application for Certificate of Discharge from Federal Tax Lien. If successful, the discharge will remove the applicable lien. However, note that the lien will remain against other pieces of property not included in the discharge, similar to how certain debts remain after a bankruptcy is discharged.
  2. Apply for subordination of the lien. The IRS may agree to issue a Certificate of Subordination if doing so will increase the likelihood of the debt being repaid. While subordination will not technically remove the lien, it can make it simpler for the taxpayer to obtain a mortgage or other loan.
  3. Apply for withdrawal of the lien. Where possible, withdrawal is the optimal resolution. If the taxpayer obtains a withdrawal, it will be as if the lien never existed in the first place. Taxpayers must file Form 12277 (Application for Withdrawal of Filed Form 668(Y), Notice of Federal Tax Lien) to initiate this process.

Experienced Tax Lien Attorney Providing IRS Appeals Representation

Unpaid tax debts can have serious ramifications for your home, your vehicle, your business, your personal funds, your retirement savings, your personal property, and your overall financial health and stability. It is imperative to respond quickly and strategically if the IRS or a state tax agency, such as the California Franchise Tax Board, is attempting to utilize a lien or levy to collect an unpaid tax debt. For a reduced-rate consultation concerning a federal tax lien, IRS tax levy, tax-motivated bankruptcy, or other options for obtaining tax relief and resolution, contact the Tax Law Office of David W. Klasing online, or call our law offices at (800) 681-1295 today for assistance.

Also, we’ve expanded our offices! In addition to our offices in Irvine and Los Angeles, the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing now have offices in San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Panorama City, and Oxnard! You can find information on all of our offices here.

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