Tax Lien Lawyers in Onalaska

A "lien" in Onalaska, Wisconsin is a type of security interest that one person or entity has in someone else's property. Normally, a lien is created by a court, to secure payment of a debt. A lien gives its holder many rights in the property that is subject to it, including the right to seize the proceeds if the property is sold, and priority access to the property, in front of other creditors.

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

Tax Liens in Onalaska, Wisconsin are usually only effective if the taxpayer has a significant amount of property on which a lien can be placed. However, it's critical 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 Onalaska, Wisconsin

The actual process of setting up an Onalaska, Wisconsin tax lien is typically pretty simple. The agency responsible for collecting taxes must first determine that a tax lien is warranted, typically by finding that the debtor owes a significant amount of back taxes.

They will then mail a document called a "notice and demand," which lets the taxpayer know that they owe money on their taxes, and that they have a given period of time (typically 10 days) to pay what they owe.

If the back taxes are not paid before the deadline is up, the lien will typically take effect immediately, with no further action by the IRS or Wisconsin tax agency, giving them all the rights in your property that the law permits.

But, these rights are limited. In Onalaska, Wisconsin, 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 Onalaska, Wisconsin Tax Lien Lawyer Help?

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

Luckily, Onalaska, Wisconsin 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.