Legal Definitions - notice of tax lien

A Notice of Tax Lien is a document that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) releases in public records to inform a taxpayer that they owe taxes. This notice alerts the taxpayer's creditors that the IRS has a claim against all of their property.

For example, if a person owes $10,000 in federal taxes and fails to pay, the IRS may file a Notice of Tax Lien against them. This notice will be made public, and credit reporting agencies may obtain the filing and show it on the taxpayer's credit report, which can harm their credit score.

If the taxpayer has entered into an installment agreement to pay off their tax debt, the IRS may withdraw the Notice of Tax Lien. Additionally, if the Notice was not filed according to IRS procedures, it may be withdrawn.

State tax departments can also issue tax liens. In California, for instance, the Franchise Tax Board can file a Notice of State Tax Lien against a taxpayer who has failed to respond or pay their tax debts in full. This notice can be recorded with one or more local county recorders.

Overall, a Notice of Tax Lien is a serious matter that can have significant consequences for a taxpayer's credit score and financial well-being. It is important to address any tax debts promptly and work with the IRS or state tax department to resolve them.