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Overview
When federal tax is full paid or satisfied, the IRS stops all collection efforts.
If you owed federal taxes and the IRS filed a Notice of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) with local and/or state authorities, when the balance is full paid, then the lien is generally released automatically (self-released).
You owed federal taxes and you full paid or satisfied the debt, or the time the IRS had to collect has expired.
If you need proof you have full paid your balance, you can order a transcript or access your Online Account.
You can file a claim for refund by submitting Form 843, Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement. For more information, see Publication 556, Examination of Returns, Appeal Rights, and Claims for Refund. Make sure you file your refund claim timely.
If it has been more than 30-days since the balance was full paid, contact the IRS Centralized Lien Office by calling 800–913-6050 or e-fax 855-390-3530 to request a copy of the lien release.
If you want a copy of the lien release and it has been less than 30-days since the balance was full paid, you must make the request in writing and mail it to the Collection Advisory Group in your area.
See Applying for Withdrawal of the Notice of Federal Tax Lien.
Understanding your notice or letter
For more specifics on your notice, visit Understanding your IRS Notice or Letter on IRS.gov
Get Help topics
Browse common tax issues and situations at TAS Get Help
If you still need help
The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS. TAS helps taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS, makes administrative and legislative recommendations to prevent or correct the problems, and protects taxpayer rights. TAS helps all taxpayers (and their representatives), including individuals, businesses, and exempt organizations. You may be eligible for free TAS help if your IRS problem is causing financial difficulty, if you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or if you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should.
TAS has offices in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To find your local advocate’s number:
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) assist individuals whose income is below a certain level who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. They also provide education, outreach, and information on taxpayer rights to individuals who speak English as a second language. LITCs represent taxpayers in disputes before the IRS and courts and help taxpayers respond to IRS notices and correct account problems. Services are offered for free or a small fee. LITCs are independent from the IRS and TAS. For more information or to find an LITC near you, see the LITC Page or Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List. You can also request Pub. 4134 by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
View our Interactive Tax Map
Let us help you navigate your way through the IRS. Visit our interactive tax map to see where you are in the tax process.
Taxpayer Roadmap
The taxpayer Bill of Rights is grouped into 10 easy to understand categories outlining the taxpayer rights and protections embedded in the tax code.
It is also what guides the advocacy work we do for taxpayers.
