Liens

A federal tax lien arises automatically if you don’t pay after the IRS assesses the liability and sends you a bill. The government also may file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) in the public records.

• This notifies creditors the IRS has a claim against all your current and future property; and
• If the IRS files a NFTL, it may be difficult to sell or borrow against your property. While NFTLs no longer appear on credit reports, they may still affect your ability to get credit if a potential creditor uses other resources, such as public records, to discover the NFTL.

Generally, within five business days after filing the NFTL, the IRS will send you a Notice of Your Right to a Collection Due Process Hearing. You’ll have until the date shown on the notice to request a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing with the Office of Appeals. See Publication 1660, Collection Appeal Rights, for a full explanation of the CDP process. At the CDP hearing, you may raise many issues which include proposing another way to pay your debt, and in some cases, to contest the debt itself.

Once a lien arises, the IRS generally will not release the lien until the tax, penalties, interest and any applicable fees are paid in full or until the IRS is no longer legally able to collect the tax. However, in certain circumstances, explained below in the What should I do? section, a lien may be withdrawn, discharged, or subordinated.

Releasing a Lien

The IRS will release the lien once the debt is fully paid or once the IRS is no longer legally able to collect the tax.

Withdrawing a Lien

If the Notice of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) filed in the public record is causing you a problem, you can apply to have the notice withdrawn if you meet any of the criteria listed below. A withdrawal removes the public notice of the lien, but does not eliminate the underlying tax debt. Find out how to apply for a withdrawal of Federal Tax Lien.

First and foremost, don’t ignore notices from the IRS. Even if you can’t pay the taxes you owe, responding to a notice before the due date could prevent a lot of trouble. Be sure to keep your address up to date with the IRS so you receive all notices and letters.

• If you can’t pay the full amount you owe, you have payment options to help you settle your debt over time.
• If you disagree with the IRS that you owe the debt, you may be able to raise your arguments in a CDP hearing or request an audit reconsideration.
• You can hire an attorney, certified public accountant (CPA), or enrolled agent to help you if you wish. But before you do, visit our Choosing a Tax Return Preparer page first.
  • If your income is below a certain level, you may qualify for Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) representation.

The IRS may withdraw an NFTL if:

• You’ve entered into a payment agreement to satisfy the tax liability, unless the agreement provides otherwise.
• For certain types of taxes, the IRS may withdraw a NFTL – if you enter into a direct debit installment agreement and meet certain other conditions. You can get more information from the IRS representative when setting up your agreement.
• By withdrawing the lien, it will help you pay your taxes more quickly.
• The IRS didn’t follow proper procedures.
• The lien was filed during a bankruptcy automatic stay period, when the IRS generally stops most collection activity, or
• It’s in your best interest, as determined by the Taxpayer Advocate and in the best interest of the government. For example, this could include when your debt is satisfied, and you request a withdrawal.
• If you’ve paid your tax debt or fully paid your accepted Offer in Compromise and, if applicable, the outstanding amount of any related collateral agreement, and the lien was released, you can ask the IRS in writing to withdraw the lien. The IRS will generally do that, so long as:
  • You’ve filed all required returns – individual, business, and information – for the past three years, and
  • You’re current on your estimated tax payments and federal tax deposits, as applicable.

You can apply to have the lien withdrawn by using Form 12277, Application for Withdrawal of Filed Form 668(Y), Notice of Federal Tax Lien (Internal Revenue Code Section 6323(j).

Other situations with liens that might apply to you

• A “discharge” removes the lien from specific property. For example, if you want to sell a certain piece of property that’s under a lien and intend to use part or all proceeds to pay your tax debt, you can apply for a Certificate of Discharge.
  • See IRS Publication 783, Instructions on how to apply for a Certificate of Discharge from Federal Tax Lien.
• A “subordination” doesn’t remove the lien but allows other creditors to move ahead of the IRS, which may make it easier to obtain a loan or refinance a mortgage.
  • See IRS Publication 784, Instructions on how to apply for a Certificate of Subordination of Federal Tax Lien.

When the IRS files the Notice of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) in the public record, it puts your creditors on notice that the IRS has a claim. The filing of the lien may limit your ability to get credit.

The lien attaches to all assets, personal or business, (such as real estate, securities, vehicles), as well as assets acquired while the lien remains in effect.

The lien attaches to all business property and all rights to business property, including accounts receivable.

If you file bankruptcy, your tax debt and lien may continue after the bankruptcy.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayers’ rights. We can offer you help if your tax problem is causing a financial difficulty, you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should. If you qualify for our assistance, which is always free, we will do everything possible to help you.

Visit www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov or call 1-877-777-4778.

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) are independent from the IRS and TAS. LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in court. In addition, LITCs can provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages for individuals who speak English as a second language. Services are offered for free or a small fee. For more information or to find an LITC near you, see the LITC page on the TAS website or Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List.

• I can’t pay my taxes
• Success Story: The Taxpayer Advocate Service’s advocacy protects taxpayers’ rights in IRS tax lien withdrawal case 
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• An Overloaded IRS Stops Certain Automated Notices, But Taxpayers Still Need to File