Tax Lien Lawyers in Keokuk

In Keokuk, Iowa, 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.

A tax lien, then, is simply a lien that is created for the specific purpose of collecting taxes from a delinquent tax payer in Keokuk, Iowa.

Tax liens in Keokuk, Iowa are ineffective if the taxpayer doesn't have any property to place the lien on. However, virtually 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 Keokuk, Iowa

Imposing a tax lien in Keokuk, Iowa is normally an uncomplicated process. Usually, 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, they will send the taxpayer a written notice stating that they owe a particular amount of money in back taxes, and that they have a small window of time (frequently 10 days or less) to pay it.

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 Iowa tax agency, giving them all the rights in your property that the law permits.

However, if the federal government does not seek to enforce a tax lien in Keokuk, Iowa 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 ensure that property is not encumbered by a lien forever.

How Can a Keokuk, Iowa Tax Lien Lawyer Help?

If you find yourself on the receiving end of a tax lien in Iowa, you are going to have to wade through some substantial and confusing legal concerns.

Accordingly, it's important that you contact a tax attorney in Keokuk, Iowa 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.