Tax Lien Lawyers in Oxford

A "lien" in Oxford, North Carolina is a property right that a person or entity has in property owned by someone else, created by law, for the purpose of enforcing a debt. A lien gives its holder various rights in the property of another person, including the right to seize the proceeds of a sale of the property, and, if the debtor files for bankruptcy, the right to go to the front of the line among other creditors, making it more possible that the lien holder will collect something.

As you might have gathered, a "tax lien" is simply a lien placed on property by the IRS or Oxford, North Carolina tax authorities, to compile taxes that the property-owner has failed to pay.

Tax Liens in Oxford, North Carolina are typically only effective if the taxpayer has a significant amount of property on which a lien can be placed. However, it's essential to note that practically any property, including that which is acquired after the lien is imposed, can be subject to a tax lien.

Tax Lien Procedure in Oxford, North Carolina

Imposing a tax lien in Oxford, North Carolina is usually an uncomplicated process. Typically, the tax authorities simply have to make a decision 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, 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 this 10-day period expires without payment, the tax lien arises automatically. Once this happens, the tax authorities in North Carolina have all the options in the taxpayer's property that any other lien holder would have, containing priority over competing creditors.

Nonetheless, in Oxford, North Carolina, and anywhere else in America, a tax lien only lasts for 10 years, and then it automatically expires. If the IRS fails to exercise the considerable rights that it has under a tax lien within that period of time, it is assumed that they never intend to do so, and the lien will cease to exist. This ensures that valuable property is only kept out of the economy for a certain period of time.

How Can a Oxford, North Carolina Tax Lien Lawyer Help?

If the federal government, or the government of North Carolina 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, it should go without saying that if you are facing the prospect of your home or vehicle being slapped with a tax lien, you need to obtain the advice of a seasoned tax lawyer in Oxford, North Carolina as soon as you can.