Tax Lien Lawyers in Kittanning

In Kittanning, 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 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.

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

Tax Liens in Kittanning, Pennsylvania are usually 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 virtually any property, including that which is acquired after the lien is imposed, can be subject to a tax lien.

Tax Lien Procedure in Kittanning, Pennsylvania

Imposing a tax lien in Kittanning, Pennsylvania is normally an uncomplicated process. Usually, 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.

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 immediate payment. It will typically give the taxpayer about 10 days to pay the demanded amount.

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

But, these rights are limited. In Kittanning, 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." Second, 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 Kittanning, Pennsylvania Tax Lien Lawyer Help?

If you are notified by the government that you owe back taxes in Pennsylvania, and that they are going to pursue a tax lien to collect their money, things can get very intricate, quite quickly.

Luckily, Kittanning, Pennsylvania 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.