Tax Lien Lawyers in Fort Worth
In Fort Worth, Texas, 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, then, is simply a lien that is formed for the particular purpose of collecting taxes from a delinquent tax payer in Fort Worth, Texas.
Tax Liens in Fort Worth, Texas are usually only effective if the taxpayer has a significant amount of property on which a lien can be placed. However, it's necessary to note that basically any property, including that which is acquired after the lien is imposed, can be subject to a tax lien.
Tax Lien Procedure in Fort Worth, Texas
In Fort Worth, Texas, the process for creating a tax lien is fairly uncomplicated. First, the tax authorities decide that a taxpayer truly owes taxes that they haven't paid (that they're delinquent in their taxes).
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 quick payment. It will typically give the taxpayer about 10 days to pay the demanded amount.
If this 10-day period expires without payment, the tax lien arises automatically. Once this happens, the tax authorities in Texas have all the options in the taxpayer's property that any other lien holder would have, containing priority over competing creditors.
Nonetheless, in Fort Worth, Texas, and anywhere else in America, a tax lien only lasts for 10 years, and then it automatically expires. If the IRS fails to exercise the considerable rights that it has under a tax lien within that period of time, it is assumed that they never intend to do so, and the lien will cease to exist. This ensures that valuable property is only kept out of the economy for a narrow period of time.
How Can a Fort Worth, Texas Tax Lien Lawyer Help?
If you are notified by the government that you owe back taxes in Texas, and that they are going to pursue a tax lien to collect their money, things can get very confusing, quite quickly.
Luckily, Fort Worth, Texas 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.