Federal tax lien help
IRS Tax Lien Help
A federal tax lien is the IRS's legal claim against everything you own when you have unpaid tax debt. It is not the same as a levy: a lien is a claim, a levy is a seizure. The lien is what stops you from selling your house, refinancing, or getting clean credit. There are four ways to deal with an IRS tax lien, and which one fits depends on whether you can pay, need to sell, or want it off your record.
Overview
Federal tax lien help: the essentials.
- What it is
- IRS claim on your property
- Four fixes
- Release, withdraw, discharge, subordinate
- Credit reports
- Off consumer reports since 2018
- Blocks
- Selling & refinancing
The IRS files a Notice of Federal Tax Lien to protect its interest against other creditors once a balance goes unpaid. It attaches to real estate, vehicles, financial accounts, and business assets, including property you acquire while the lien is in force. Until it is resolved, the lien follows you.
A lien and a levy get confused constantly, so it is worth being clear. A lien is a claim that secures the debt. A levy is the actual taking of wages, a bank account, or property. If the IRS has filed a lien, a levy is often the next step, which is why acting on a lien early matters. We work both the lien and the underlying balance together.
How this case usually unfolds
Lien blocking a sale · Tax lien help
Lien cases often surface when a client tries to sell or refinance and the title search turns up a federal tax lien. Depending on the goal, the fix is a discharge to sell one property, a subordination to refinance, a withdrawal with a direct-debit agreement, or a release once the balance is resolved. We match the remedy to the goal.
Sound similar to yours?
No two cases are identical, but patterns repeat. Talk to one of our Enrolled Agents to find out which programs apply to your situation.
Get Free ConsultationLien vs. levy: what is the difference?
People use these words interchangeably, but the IRS does not. A federal tax lien is a legal claim against your property that secures the tax debt. It does not take anything; it stakes the government's position ahead of other creditors. A levy is the enforced collection that follows: the IRS actually seizes a bank balance, garnishes wages, or takes property.
The practical difference: a lien wrecks your ability to sell or borrow against property and can surface in title searches and business credit checks, while a levy hits your cash flow directly. If you have a lien, the goal is to release or withdraw it. If you have a levy, the goal is to release it fast. Many of our cases involve both.
Four ways to deal with an IRS tax lien
A tax lien is not permanent. Depending on your situation, one of these four IRS remedies applies. We identify the right one after pulling your transcripts and confirming the balance.
Lien release
The IRS releases the lien within 30 days after the debt is paid in full or otherwise satisfied, or when it becomes legally unenforceable. A release ends the claim going forward.
Lien withdrawal
A withdrawal removes the public Notice of Federal Tax Lien as if it were never filed, which is the cleanest outcome. It is available when you enter a Direct Debit Installment Agreement, when the filing was premature, or when withdrawal helps collection.
Lien discharge
A discharge removes the lien from a specific piece of property so you can sell it, even if the full balance is not paid. Useful when you need to sell a house and put the proceeds toward the debt.
Lien subordination
Subordination lets another creditor move ahead of the IRS on a specific asset. It does not remove the lien, but it can make refinancing possible when a new lender needs first position.
How we resolve your tax lien
Pull transcripts and confirm the balance
We get your IRS account transcripts to confirm what is actually owed and which years the lien secures, so we work from real numbers rather than the notice.
File Power of Attorney
With Form 2848 on file, the IRS deals with us. We handle the lien unit and the collection side together so nothing falls through the cracks.
Match the remedy to your goal
Selling a house needs a discharge; refinancing needs subordination; a DDIA opens the door to withdrawal. We file the specific application (Form 12277 for withdrawal, 14135 for discharge, 14134 for subordination) for your situation.
Resolve the underlying debt
A lien exists because of an unpaid balance. We put the balance into a resolution program (installment agreement, Offer in Compromise, or Currently Not Collectible) so the lien issue does not come back.
Federal programs
Nine IRS programs. We look through them all.
Most tax debt is resolved through one of these nine programs. Which one fits depends on your numbers, your filing history, and assessment dates.
Client reviews
What clients say about Federal tax lien help.
5.0 on Google across 356+ verified reviews. A few relevant to Federal tax lien help below; read them all on our reviews page.
I was worried at first. I'm not really computer savvy. Pablo Nunez has so much patience with me. Talked to me, clearly explained, and walked me through computer difficulties. I'm not worried, and my stress levels have never been lower. Thank you, everyone at Innovative Tax Relief.
Their. Very. Respectable. They. Solve. My. Issue. With. The. IRS On. How. To. Be. On. The. Rite. Track. With. The. IRS. Payments
Thank you to innovative tax relief for putting my tax problems behind me .. thanks to Peter for overseeing the process my case worker Lisa Liriano for reassuring me it’s all going to be fixed, and all the refiles from past years and just a mess you took over .. attorney Ryan for negotiations and protections from the IRS and saving me thousands of dollars .. you did exactly what you said you would do now I can breathe again ..Thank you Innovative Tax Relief
I used ITR for the first time this year. I didn’t know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised with how promptly and professionally they resolved my tax issues and straightened out my debts for the year. I would not hesitate to use them again and I’m grateful I found them!!
Victor my tax advisor was awesome with great communication and was able to cut me a great deal with the IRS.
I really appreciate Lisa for the hard work she does she takes care of her clients n have a very nice personality I would recommend any person to her I just love her ❤️ n the way she works with her clients
Frequently asked
What people ask about Federal tax lien help.
What is a federal tax lien?
What is the difference between a tax lien and a tax levy?
How do I get a federal tax lien removed?
Does a federal tax lien affect my credit?
How long does a federal tax lien last?
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Learn moreNationwide · all 50 states
Federal tax lien help in all 50 states.
IRS representation is federal, so we handle Federal tax lien help for clients in all 50 states, remotely from our West Palm Beach headquarters. Florida is our home base, and we keep dedicated local pages for the metros we serve most.
Florida local pages
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