Tax Liens & Levies
Protect your assets from IRS seizure.
The Difference Between a Lien and a Levy
While often used interchangeably, a tax lien and a tax levy are two very different things. Understanding the distinction is crucial.
A lien is a legal claim the government files against your property to secure a tax debt. It doesn't mean the IRS is taking your property—yet. It's a public notice to creditors that the government has a right to your current and future assets. A lien can severely damage your credit and make it impossible to sell property or get a loan.
A levy is the actual seizure of your property to satisfy a tax debt. While a lien secures the government's interest in your property, a levy is the action that takes it. The IRS can levy bank accounts, wages, Social Security benefits, and even physical assets like your car or house.
Consequences of Ignoring Liens and Levies
How We Get Liens and Levies Removed or Released
Our firm has a number of strategies to deal with these aggressive collection tactics. The right approach depends on your specific circumstances.
- Release: We can get a lien fully released by paying the debt, entering an Offer in Compromise, or having it become legally unenforceable (e.g., statute of limitations expires).
- Discharge: This removes the lien from a specific piece of property (like a house you need to sell) without releasing the entire lien.
- Subordination: This allows another creditor to move ahead of the IRS, which can be crucial for refinancing a mortgage.
We can secure a levy release by:
- Proving the levy is causing an immediate economic hardship.
- Negotiating an Installment Agreement or other payment arrangement.
- Showing that the IRS made a procedural error in issuing the levy.
- Paying the tax debt in full.
Immediate Action is Key
If you have received a notice from the IRS regarding a lien or levy, do not wait. The IRS provides specific appeal rights and timelines that, if missed, can severely limit your options. Contact Tax Relief Pros immediately. We can establish contact with the IRS, halt further collection action, and begin working on a permanent solution to protect your assets and resolve your tax debt.
Ready to Solve Your Tax Problems?
Don't wait another day. Contact our expert team now for a free, confidential consultation and take the first step towards financial peace of mind.