Tax Lien Lawyers in Inver Grove Heights
In Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, a "lien" is a type of property right, which is created by a court to obtain payment of a lawful debt. Generally, 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 also 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 appointed for the specific purpose of collecting taxes from a delinquent tax payer in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.
However, a tax lien in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota 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. However, a tax lien can be applied to property that the taxpayer acquires after the lien goes into effect.
Tax Lien Procedure in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota
Imposing a tax lien in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota is typically an uncomplicated process. Generally, 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.
Then, the IRS, or state tax authorities, send a "notice and demand," informing the taxpayer that they owe back taxes, and that they are required to pay their taxes within 10 days.
If the back taxes are not paid before the deadline is up, the lien will usually take effect immediately, with no further action by the IRS or Minnesota tax agency, giving them all the rights in your property that the law allows.
But, these rights are limited. In Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, 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." Furthermore, it acknowledges the fact that any encumbrance on a piece of property, such as a lien, makes the property less valuable. By ensuring that the lien will either be satisfied or expire within 10 years, this prevents property from being withheld from the stream of commerce indefinitely.
How Can a Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota Tax Lien Lawyer Help?
If you receive notice from the federal government, or the government of Minnesota that a tax lien has been imposed on your property, some pretty complicated legal issues are necessarily involved.
Accordingly, it's important that you hire a tax attorney in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota 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.