Tax Lien Lawyers in Youngwood

In Youngwood, 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 Youngwood, Pennsylvania tax authorities, to collect taxes that the property-owner has failed to pay.

However, like any other debt-collection method, a tax lien is worthless if the debtor has no significant property on which a lien can be imposed. To get around this limitation, most tax liens in Youngwood, Pennsylvania apply to after-acquired property (property obtained after the lien was created). Most other liens only apply to specific pieces of property, or property that the debtor owned at the time the lien went into effect.

Tax Lien Procedure in Youngwood, Pennsylvania

The process of imposing a tax lien on property in Youngwood, 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.

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

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 Youngwood, 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 Youngwood, Pennsylvania Tax Lien Lawyer Help?

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

Accordingly, if you think that any piece of property you own might become subject to a tax lien in Youngwood, Pennsylvania, you should not hesitate to seek the advice of a competent tax attorney immediately.