Tax Lien Lawyers in Scappoose

In Scappoose, Oregon, a "lien" is defined as a property right that's granted 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 authorizes 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 secure the payment of back taxes. A tax lien in Scappoose, Oregon can arise to secure the payment of any federal or state tax, including income tax, estate tax, or gift tax.

However, a tax lien in Scappoose, Oregon 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 Scappoose, Oregon

The actual process of setting up a Scappoose, Oregon tax lien is normally pretty simple. The agency responsible for collecting taxes must first determine that a tax lien is warranted, normally by finding that the debtor owes a significant amount of back taxes.

Then, the taxpayer is sent a letter with a "notice and demand," which informs the taxpayer that the IRS has determined that they owe back taxes, and that they have a short period of time (normally 10 days) to pay them without incurring a penalty.

If this deadline expires, and the debtor does not pay the taxes they owe, the lien will take effect automatically. When this happens, the IRS or Oregon tax agency will have considerable rights against the taxpayer's property.

However, if the federal government does not seek to enforce a tax lien in Scappoose, Oregon 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 Scappoose, Oregon Tax Lien Lawyer Help?

If the federal government, or the government of Oregon informs you that they intend to place a tax lien on your property, you will likely face some pretty convoluted and daunting legal issues.

Fortunately for you, tax lawyers in Scappoose, Oregon 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.