Tax Lien Lawyers in Carol Stream
In Carol Stream, Illinois, 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 appointed for the specific purpose of collecting taxes from a delinquent tax payer in Carol Stream, Illinois.
Of course, a tax lien in Carol Stream, Illinois 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 Carol Stream, Illinois
In Carol Stream, Illinois, the process for creating a tax lien is fairly uncomplicated. First, the tax authorities determine that a taxpayer truly owes taxes that they haven't paid (that they're delinquent in their taxes).
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 Illinois 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 Carol Stream, Illinois 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 Carol Stream, Illinois Tax Lien Lawyer Help?
If you find yourself on the receiving end of a tax lien in Illinois, you are going to have to wade through some substantial and confusing legal concerns.
Luckily, Carol Stream, Illinois 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.