Free Federal Tax Lien Search By Name

In order to begin your free federal tax lien search you can contact the Internal Revenue Service and see if they’ll send you an electronic copy. Many times they’ll charge a nominal fee for a certified copy. If you need a copy of your tax return the fee is nominal and it can be mailed to you. The easiest way to view other people’s federal tax liens is to use an online public record website. Since federal tax liens are considered public domain, anyone can view them online. You can search by name and quickly locate most anyone’s tax lien records many online public record resources. Knowing if you have a federal tax lien can be very important, especially if you’re looking to take out a loan or buy a new car or home. It can damage your credit and the federal government can seize your assets and property to reclaim your unpaid taxes.

Federal Tax Lien Definition

What is a federal tax lien? It’s a tax lien that is a federally authorized lien that is applied by the government on a person’s assets that have unpaid back taxes. This tax lien is typically applied by the IRS in order to obtain payment for the back taxes or they can come after financial and property assets. A federal tax lien is different than a non government lien as private companies are the lien holders on assets or property, which establishes that the government has a monetary interest in a person’s possessions. All property that the recipient owns will be covered by the lien. This is not a demand by the government to surrender property or a notification that the government is coming to seize it.

Do I Have a Federal Tax Lien?

It’s important to know if you have a tax lien against you from the IRS because of unpaid taxes and/or penalties that are unpaid. A quick way to find out if you have a tax lien is by contacting the IRS directly. If you don’t have a lien against you yet and owe a bunch of back taxes, you can setup an arrangement with the IRS to pay them back over time, this way you can avoid any potential lien being placed upon your assets.

Receiving a Federal Tax Lien

Receiving a tax lien can be unnerving. However, a tax lien is also a misunderstood document. Most citizens who get a lien are often unaware of exactly what a tax lien is and what it represents. This can cause fear and unease with the recipient. Understanding what a lien is and how to deal with it will reduce some of those fears.

The Effects of a Federal Tax Lien

Being the subject of a tax lien can cause many disruptions in the life of the recipient. The effects will last until the lien is satisfied or some arrangement is made with the government.

Assets that have had a lien placed on them can no longer be sold or used as collateral when trying to secure a loan. Until the lien is satisfied, any assets purchased will automatically be attached and subject to the lien requirements. Once the lien is filed, the subject’s ability to acquire credit may suffer. Furthermore, tax liens are not necessarily discharged through a bankruptcy. Business property is also subject to a lien and this can make running a business difficult.

Dealing with a Federal Tax Lien

The easiest way to deal with a lien is to not get it in the first place. The IRS goes through a specific set of steps when it believes a taxpayer owes the government. Unlike in the past, the IRS is willing to work with someone who is faced with a tax liability. Setting up a payment plan and keeping current with the payments will stop the government from taking any further action.

Once a tax lien has been filed and received, there are certain options that the taxpayer can request to lessen the burden. It is important to note that each option has eligibility requirements and that the government does not have to grant them.

A common choice for relief is referred to as the Discharge of Property. This will allow certain assets to be removed from the lien. The Subordination program allows other creditors to take priority over the government’s claims. This can help the taxpayer acquire credit.

Disputing a Federal Tax Lien

If you suspect you have a lien because of unpaid taxes then it’s a good idea to check. You can get a free federal tax lien search online in just moments. If you find out this is true and you want to dispute the federal tax lien then visit the IRS and see their Appeals Program. If you have difficulty resolving your lien then you may want to consult with an tax attorney and setup a re-payment plan with the IRS so that they don’t come after your assets or property. If the tax amount you owe is over $10k then the IRS has the right to put a lien on your assets and potentially sell your property or garnish your wages to reclaim those unpaid taxes. You may also be subject to additional fines and penalties the longer you wait to file an IRS tax dispute. According to a CNBC report, in March 2022, 57% of households in the United State did not pay any federal income tax in 2021

How to Remove a Federal Tax Lien

1. The first option on how to remove a federal tax lien is your outstanding or back taxes that are due. Once they are paid the IRS will release the federal tax lien within 30 days.
2. The second option is to send in a written request to the IRS to remove your federal tax lien
3. Contact a 3rd party tax relief company to help you remove your tax lien with the IRS

Follow Up With The Credit Reporting Agencies That Your Tax Lien is Removed

It’s important to note that you follow up with the IRS after your tax debt is paid off as sometimes this can be overlooked by them. They typically take 30 to 45 days to remove the tax lien from your public record. It is also best practice to follow up with the major credit reporting agencies to insure they’ve received the release of your tax lien. This can affect your ability to obtain credit, or buy property if the lien is on your credit report. The major credit reporting agencies are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

You can use the above form to perform a tax lien record search online. Enter your full name and state of residency to begin. If you have any additional questions or concerns about your tax lien then you can also contact the IRS directly.

Additional Free Federal Tax Lien Search Information

Federal Tax Lien Records
Understanding a Federal Tax Lien
Request a Certificate of Release of Your Federal Tax Lien
Petitioning an IRS Tax Lien Record