{"id":354012,"date":"2025-03-05T16:35:33","date_gmt":"2025-03-05T21:35:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/how-to-resolve-a-tax-lien.html"},"modified":"2025-03-05T16:38:31","modified_gmt":"2025-03-05T21:38:31","slug":"how-to-resolve-a-tax-lien","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/how-to-resolve-a-tax-lien.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Resolve a Tax Lien"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Resolve a Tax Lien<\/h1>\n
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\n By Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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A federal tax lien can be resolved in several ways, such as paying the full amount owed, setting up an installment agreement, or proposing an offer in compromise. Consulting with a tax attorney can provide guidance on your rights and options, ensure proper handling of the lien, and potentially negotiate more favorable terms with the IRS. These professionals can help with appeals, lien withdrawals, and securing lien discharges to protect your assets.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

You\u2019ve just learned the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)<\/a> is placing a lien on your property. This may sound scary and overwhelming, particularly if you\u2019re not quite sure of the implications of a federal tax lien. But rest assured, there are several ways to resolve it.<\/p>\r\n

If you\u2019re facing an IRS tax lien<\/a>, it\u2019s a good idea to speak with a tax attorney<\/a>. They can help you understand your rights and options. They can also help you pursue the course of action that makes the most sense for you.<\/p>\r\n

In this article, we\u2019ll review some of the different methods for resolving tax liens and the ways an attorney might be valuable for you at this time.<\/p>\r\n

But first, let\u2019s make sure we understand what a federal tax lien<\/a> is.<\/p>\r\n

Federal Tax Liens<\/h2>\r\n

A federal tax lien, or IRS tax lien, is the government’s legal claim against your property when you fail to pay a tax debt. IRS tax liens protect the federal government’s interest in all your property. This can include real estate, personal property, bank accounts, and much more.<\/p>\r\n

Tax liens are most commonly associated with income tax<\/a>, but they can also arise from other types of unpaid taxes. Being self-employed may also increase the likelihood of encountering federal tax liens because of the unique tax responsibilities that come with self-employment<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Liens v. Levies<\/h2>\r\n

It\u2019s important to note that a tax lien is different from a tax levy. A lien is a claim on your property. But a levy is when the government actually takes your property to pay the tax debt, such as wage garnishment<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

How Does a Federal Tax Lien Occur?<\/h2>\r\n

A federal tax lien doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. It happens in several steps:<\/p>\r\n