Tax Lien Lawyers in Shaker Heights

In Shaker Heights, Ohio, a "lien" is specified as a property right that's authorized to a creditor against a piece of property owned by a debtor, for the purpose of collecting on the debt if the debtor is unwilling or unable to pay. A lien permits its owner to exercise some control over the property that is the subject of the lien. This includes the right to force a sale of the property, and to seize the resulting revenue, and priority access to the property ahead of other creditors.

A "tax lien" is simply a lien placed on a piece of property by the state or local government, to acquire the payment of back taxes. A tax lien in Shaker Heights, Ohio can arise to secure the payment of any federal or state tax, including income tax, estate tax, or gift tax.

Tax liens in Shaker Heights, Ohio are ineffective if the taxpayer doesn't have any property to place the lien on. However, practically any property, including that which the taxpayer acquires after the lien goes into effect, can be affected by a tax lien.

Tax Lien Procedure in Shaker Heights, Ohio

The process of imposing a tax lien on property in Shaker Heights, Ohio is typically fairly simple. The initial step is for the IRS or local tax agency to decide that a person truly owes back taxes, and that it is worth the effort to impose a lien.

Then, the IRS, or state tax authorities, send a "notice and demand," informing the taxpayer that they owe back taxes, and that they are obligated to pay their taxes within 10 days.

If that time period expires, and the debtor still hasn't paid, the Ohio tax lien will go into effect automatically, with no additional action required.

But, under federal law, there are limits to how tax liens can be enforced in Shaker Heights, Ohio, and elsewhere. Usually, the IRS has 10 years to try and enforce a tax lien. If no effort is made to enforce a tax lien for 10 years, the lien is automatically lifted, and the lien holder loses all rights in it. This rule exists to ensure that the government collects its taxes in a reasonable time period, and it prevents valuable property (which could otherwise be contributing to the economy by being bought and sold) is not laded with a lien for an indefinite period of time.

How Can a Shaker Heights, Ohio Tax Lien Lawyer Help?

If you find yourself on the receiving end of a tax lien in Ohio, you are going to have to wade through some substantial and complicated legal concerns.

Luckily, Shaker Heights, Ohio tax attorneys can help. If you are facing the prospect of a tax lien, you should not hesitate to seek skilled legal advice, to ensure that your legal rights are protected.