Tax Lien Lawyers in Racine
A "lien" in Racine, Wisconsin is a type of security interest that one person or entity has in someone else's property. Usually, 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 Racine, Wisconsin tax authorities, to compile taxes that the property-owner has failed to pay.
Tax Liens in Racine, Wisconsin are typically 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 essentially any property, including that which is acquired after the lien is imposed, can be subject to a tax lien.
Tax Lien Procedure in Racine, Wisconsin
The actual process of setting up a Racine, Wisconsin tax lien is normally pretty simple. The agency responsible for collecting taxes must first determine that a tax lien is warranted, normally by finding that the debtor owes a significant amount of back 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 immediate payment. It will normally give the taxpayer about 10 days to pay the demanded amount.
If this deadline expires, and the debtor does not pay the taxes they owe, the lien will take effect automatically. When this happens, the IRS or Wisconsin tax agency will have considerable rights against the taxpayer's property.
But, these rights are limited. In Racine, 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." 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 Racine, Wisconsin Tax Lien Lawyer Help?
If you end up having a tax lien imposed on your property in Wisconsin, you will probably have to deal with some fairly hard legal issues, which might be complex to a layperson.
Thankfully, Racine, Wisconsin tax attorneys can help. If you are facing the prospect of a tax lien, you should not hesitate to seek qualified legal advice, to ensure that your legal rights are protected.