Tax Lien Lawyers in Columbia
In Columbia, Maryland, 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.
In Columbia, Maryland, a "tax lien" is simply a lien imposed by the government to compile back taxes from a citizen or corporation, when other methods for collecting have failed.
However, a tax lien in Columbia, Maryland will be ineffective if the debtor doesn't own any valuable property to encumber with a lien. As with any debt, the creditor can't collect if the debtor doesn't have any assets. Nonetheless, a tax lien can be applied to property that the taxpayer gains after the lien goes into effect.
Tax Lien Procedure in Columbia, Maryland
In Columbia, Maryland, the procedure for imposing a tax lien is relatively simple. First, the IRS makes a decision that a person is delinquent in their tax requirement.
They will then mail a document called a "notice and demand," which lets the taxpayer know that they owe money on their taxes, and that they have a specific period of time (normally 10 days) to pay what they owe.
If that time period expires, and the debtor still hasn't paid, the Maryland tax lien will go into effect automatically, with no additional action required.
But, these rights are limited. In Columbia, Maryland, 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." Additionally, it acknowledges the fact that any encumbrance on a piece of property, such as a lien, makes the property less valuable. By guaranteeing that the lien will either be satisfied or expire within 10 years, this prevents property from being withheld from the stream of commerce forever.
How Can a Columbia, Maryland Tax Lien Lawyer Help?
If the federal government, or the government of Maryland informs you that they intend to place a tax lien on your property, you will likely face some pretty difficult and daunting legal issues.
Therefore, if you think that any piece of property you own might become subject to a tax lien in Columbia, Maryland, you should not delay to seek the advice of a qualified tax attorney immediately.