Tax Lien Lawyers in Gonzales

In Gonzales, 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 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, then, is simply a lien that is established for the particular purpose of collecting taxes from a delinquent tax payer in Gonzales, Texas.

Tax Liens in Gonzales, Texas are typically 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 practically any property, including that which is acquired after the lien is imposed, can be subject to a tax lien.

Tax Lien Procedure in Gonzales, Texas

In Gonzales, Texas, the process for creating a tax lien is fairly uncomplicated. First, the tax authorities decide that a taxpayer really owes taxes that they haven't paid (that they're delinquent in their taxes).

Then, the taxpayer is sent a letter with a "notice and demand," which informs the taxpayer that the IRS has decided 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 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, there are limits to how and when a tax lien can be enforced, at least under federal law. The IRS has 10 years to enforce a tax lien in Gonzales, Texas or anywhere else in the U.S. If it never bothers to take action to seize property that's subject to a tax lien, the lien simply ceases to exist after 10 years. This rule is in place to ensure that the government does not sit on its rights, and to keep potentially-valuable property from being encumbered forever. Essentially, it creates a measure of certainty for both parties.

How Can a Gonzales, 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 difficult, extremely quickly.

Therefore, if you think that any piece of property you own might become subject to a tax lien in Gonzales, Texas, you should not delay to seek the advice of a qualified tax attorney immediately.