Tax Lien Lawyers in Utica

In Utica, Michigan, a "lien" is a type of property right, which is created by a court to obtain 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 created for the specific purpose of collecting taxes from a delinquent tax payer in Utica, Michigan.

Tax Liens in Utica, 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 virtually any property, including that which is acquired after the lien is imposed, can be subject to a tax lien.

Tax Lien Procedure in Utica, Michigan

Imposing a tax lien in Utica, Michigan is usually an uncomplicated process. Typically, 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 some amount of money in back taxes, and that they have a small window of time (commonly 10 days or less) to pay it.

If the back taxes are not paid before the deadline is up, the lien will normally take effect immediately, with no further action by the IRS or Michigan tax agency, giving them all the rights in your property that the law authorizes.

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

How Can a Utica, Michigan Tax Lien Lawyer Help?

If you are notified by the government that you owe back taxes in Michigan, and that they are going to pursue a tax lien to collect their money, things can get very convoluted, extremely quickly.

Fortunately for you, tax lawyers in Utica, Michigan are experts at dealing with matters such as these, and can make sure your rights are protected, and advise you on the best way to proceed, if you are facing the prospect of a tax lien.