Tax Lien Lawyers in Falls Church

A "lien" in Falls Church, Virginia is a type of security interest that one person or entity has in someone else's property. Typically, a lien is created by a court, to secure payment of a debt. A lien gives its holder many rights in the property that is subject to it, including the right to seize the proceeds if the property is sold, and priority access to the property, in front of other creditors.

A "tax lien" is simply a lien placed on a piece of property by the state or local government, to secure the payment of back taxes. A tax lien in Falls Church, Virginia can arise to secure the payment of any federal or state tax, including income tax, estate tax, or gift tax.

Tax liens in Falls Church, Virginia are ineffective if the taxpayer doesn't have any property to place the lien on. However, essentially any property, including that which the taxpayer obtains after the lien goes into effect, can be affected by a tax lien.

Tax Lien Procedure in Falls Church, Virginia

Imposing a tax lien in Falls Church, Virginia is typically an uncomplicated process. Generally, the tax authorities simply have to make a determination 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 immediate payment. It will usually give the taxpayer about 10 days to pay the demanded amount.

If this 10-day period expires without payment, the tax lien arises automatically. Once this happens, the tax authorities in Virginia have all the rights in the taxpayer's property that any other lien holder would have, including priority over competing creditors.

But, these rights are limited. In Falls Church, Virginia, 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 Falls Church, Virginia Tax Lien Lawyer Help?

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

Accordingly, it's important that you hire a tax attorney in Falls Church, Virginia to ensure that whatever legal rights you have in this situation are protected. Your attorney will also be able to advise you on how to best deal with the situation.