Tax Lien Lawyers in Shiawassee County

In Shiawassee County, Michigan, a "lien" is a type of property right, which is created by a court to acquire payment of a lawful debt. Typically, a valid lien gives its holder the right to seize the property subject to it, or at least some of the property's equity, to satisfy the debt. If the owner sells a piece of property that's subject to a lien, the creditor who owns the lien may be entitled to the proceeds, up to the amount you owe them. It can further put them "first in line" compared to other creditors, if the debtor files for 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 Shiawassee County, Michigan.

Tax Liens in Shiawassee County, Michigan are typically only effective if the taxpayer has a significant amount of property on which a lien can be placed. However, it's essential to note that basically any property, including that which is acquired after the lien is imposed, can be subject to a tax lien.

Tax Lien Procedure in Shiawassee County, Michigan

Imposing a tax lien in Shiawassee County, Michigan is usually an uncomplicated process. Typically, the tax authorities simply have to make a decision that the taxpayer is delinquent in their taxes, and that imposing and enforcing a tax lien will actually be worth the effort.

At this point, the taxpayer will receive a letter containing a "notice and demand," which, as the name suggests, gives notice that the recipient owes taxes, and demands quick payment. It will normally give the taxpayer about 10 days to pay the demanded amount.

If this deadline expires, and the debtor does not pay the taxes they owe, the lien will take effect automatically. When this happens, the IRS or Michigan tax agency will have considerable rights against the taxpayer's property.

Nonetheless, if the federal government does not seek to enforce a tax lien in Shiawassee County, Michigan within 10 years of imposing it, federal law dictates that the lien automatically expires. This is effectively a statute of limitations on a tax lien, meant to encourage the federal government to collect its taxes in a reasonable period of time, and guarantee that property is not encumbered by a lien forever.

How Can a Shiawassee County, Michigan Tax Lien Lawyer Help?

If you end up having a tax lien imposed on your property in Michigan, you will probably have to deal with some fairly hard legal issues, which might be complicated to a layperson.

Fortunately for you, tax lawyers in Shiawassee County, Michigan 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.