Tax Lien Lawyers in Bettendorf

In Bettendorf, Iowa, a "lien" is a security interest placed on a piece of property, normally land or a house, to secure the payment of a debt. It typically 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 funds 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.

A tax lien, then, is simply a lien that is formed for the particular purpose of collecting taxes from a delinquent tax payer in Bettendorf, Iowa.

Tax liens in Bettendorf, Iowa are ineffective if the taxpayer doesn't have any property to place the lien on. However, basically any property, including that which the taxpayer acquires after the lien goes into effect, can be affected by a tax lien.

Tax Lien Procedure in Bettendorf, Iowa

The process of imposing a tax lien on property in Bettendorf, Iowa is normally fairly simple. The initial step is for the IRS or local tax agency to decide that a person really owes back taxes, and that it is worth the effort to impose a lien.

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

If that time period expires, and the debtor still hasn't paid, the Iowa tax lien will go into effect automatically, with no additional action required.

But, under federal law, there are limits to how tax liens can be enforced in Bettendorf, Iowa, and elsewhere. Typically, the IRS has 10 years to try and enforce a tax lien. If no effort is made to enforce a tax lien for 10 years, the lien is automatically lifted, and the lien holder loses all rights in it. This rule exists to ensure that the government collects its taxes in a reasonable time period, and it prevents valuable property (which could otherwise be contributing to the economy by being bought and sold) is not laded with a lien for an indefinite period of time.

How Can a Bettendorf, Iowa Tax Lien Lawyer Help?

If the federal government, or the government of Iowa informs you that they intend to place a tax lien on your property, you will likely face some pretty difficult and daunting legal issues.

Fortunately for you, tax lawyers in Bettendorf, Iowa are experts at dealing with matters such as these, and can make sure your rights are safeguarded, and advise you on the best way to proceed, if you are facing the prospect of a tax lien.