Tax Lien Lawyers in Haverford
In Haverford, Pennsylvania, 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 allows 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.
As you might have gathered, a "tax lien" is simply a lien placed on property by the IRS or Haverford, Pennsylvania tax authorities, to collect taxes that the property-owner has failed to pay.
Tax Liens in Haverford, Pennsylvania are generally only effective if the taxpayer has a significant amount of property on which a lien can be placed. However, it's crucial to note that essentially any property, including that which is acquired after the lien is imposed, can be subject to a tax lien.
Tax Lien Procedure in Haverford, Pennsylvania
The process of imposing a tax lien on property in Haverford, Pennsylvania is usually fairly simple. The first step is for the IRS or local tax agency to determine that a person actually owes back taxes, and that it is worth the effort to impose a lien.
At this point, they will send the taxpayer a written notice stating that they owe a certain amount of money in back taxes, and that they have a small window of time (often 10 days or less) to pay it.
If this deadline expires, and the debtor does not pay the taxes they owe, the lien will take effect automatically. When this occurs, the IRS or Pennsylvania tax agency will have significant rights against the taxpayer's property.
But, these rights are limited. In Haverford, Pennsylvania, 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 Haverford, Pennsylvania Tax Lien Lawyer Help?
If you end up having a tax lien imposed on your property in Pennsylvania, you will probably have to deal with some fairly difficult legal issues, which might be complex to a layperson.
Fortunately, Haverford, Pennsylvania tax attorneys can help. If you are facing the prospect of a tax lien, you should not hesitate to seek competent legal advice, to ensure that your legal rights are protected.