Tax Lien Lawyers in Forrest

In Forrest, Arkansas, a "lien" is a security interest placed on a piece of property, typically land or a house, to secure the payment of a debt. It usually gives a creditor the right to take ownership of any equity that exists in the property, to secure the payment of the debt. If the owner sells the property, the creditor may also be entitled to the proceeds of the sale, up to the amount owed. It can also give the holder of the lien a higher priority status, giving them an advantage over competing creditors, if the debtor files bankruptcy.

As you might have gathered, a "tax lien" is simply a lien placed on property by the IRS or Forrest, Arkansas tax authorities, to gather taxes that the property-owner has failed to pay.

Of course, a tax lien in Forrest, Arkansas isn't worth much more than the paper it's printed on if the debtor doesn't own any property of value, on which a lien could be placed. However, a tax lien applies to property that the taxpayer obtains even after the lien is created. Apparently, this makes it quite a bit easier for the government to collect its taxes.

Tax Lien Procedure in Forrest, Arkansas

The actual process of setting up a Forrest, Arkansas tax lien is typically pretty simple. The agency responsible for collecting taxes must first determine that a tax lien is warranted, typically by finding that the debtor owes a significant amount of back taxes.

Then, the IRS, or state tax authorities, send a "notice and demand," informing the taxpayer that they owe back taxes, and that they are required to pay their taxes within 10 days.

If the back taxes are not paid before the deadline is up, the lien will typically take effect immediately, with no further action by the IRS or Arkansas tax agency, giving them all the rights in your property that the law permits.

But, these rights are limited. In Forrest, Arkansas, and everywhere else in the United States, the IRS has 10 years to enforce a tax lien. If they do nothing about it within 10 years, the lien expires. This rule exists for a few reasons. First, it encourages the IRS to act as quickly and efficiently as possible, and not "sit on its rights." Furthermore, it acknowledges the fact that any encumbrance on a piece of property, such as a lien, makes the property less valuable. By ensuring that the lien will either be satisfied or expire within 10 years, this prevents property from being withheld from the stream of commerce indefinitely.

How Can a Forrest, Arkansas Tax Lien Lawyer Help?

If you are notified by the government that you owe back taxes in Arkansas, and that they are going to pursue a tax lien to collect their money, things can get very intricate, quite quickly.

Luckily, Forrest, Arkansas tax attorneys can help. If you are facing the prospect of a tax lien, you should not hesitate to seek skilled legal advice, to ensure that your legal rights are protected.