Tax Lien Lawyers in Grand Rapids
In Grand Rapids, 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 Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Tax Liens in Grand Rapids, Michigan are typically only effective if the taxpayer has a significant amount of property on which a lien can be placed. However, it's necessary 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 Grand Rapids, Michigan
In Grand Rapids, Michigan, the process for creating a tax lien is fairly uncomplicated. First, the tax authorities decide that a taxpayer really owes taxes that they haven't paid (that they're delinquent in their taxes).
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 the deadline passes without payment, most tax liens in Michigan take effect automatically, giving the tax collectors all of the options in your property that any other lien holder would have.
Nonetheless, if the federal government does not seek to enforce a tax lien in Grand Rapids, 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 Grand Rapids, 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.
Thankfully, Grand Rapids, Michigan tax attorneys can help. If you are facing the prospect of a tax lien, you should not hesitate to seek qualified legal advice, to ensure that your legal rights are protected.