Liens

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 a 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 will routinely 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You can apply to have the lien withdrawn by using Form 12277, Application for Withdrawal of Filed Form 668(Y), Notice of Federal Tax Lien (Internal Revenue Code Section 6323(j).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 future assets acquired in the period of the duration of the lien.

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.

If your IRS problem is causing you financial hardship, you’ve tried repeatedly and aren’t receiving a response from the IRS, or you feel your taxpayer rights aren’t being respected, consider contacting the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS).

Browse common tax issues and situations at Get Help.

You may be eligible for representation from an attorney, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Enrolled Agent (EA) associated with a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) for little or no cost. Low Income Taxpayer Clinics also provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages for individuals who speak English as a second language.