Tax Lien Lawyers in Casper
A "lien" in Casper, Wyoming 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 Casper, Wyoming tax authorities, to gather taxes that the property-owner has failed to pay.
Of course, a tax lien in Casper, Wyoming isn't worth much more than the paper it's printed on if the debtor doesn't own any property of value, on which a lien could be placed. However, a tax lien applies to property that the taxpayer obtains even after the lien is created. Apparently, this makes it quite a bit easier for the government to collect its taxes.
Tax Lien Procedure in Casper, Wyoming
The process of imposing a tax lien on property in Casper, Wyoming is typically fairly simple. The first step is for the IRS or local tax agency to determine that a person truly 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 that time period expires, and the debtor still hasn't paid, the Wyoming tax lien will go into effect automatically, with no further action required.
But, these rights are limited. In Casper, Wyoming, 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 Casper, Wyoming Tax Lien Lawyer Help?
If the federal government, or the government of Wyoming informs you that they intend to place a tax lien on your property, you will likely face some pretty intricate and daunting legal issues.
Accordingly, it's important that you contact a tax attorney in Casper, Wyoming to ensure that whatever legal rights you have in this situation are protected. Your attorney will also be able to advise you on how to best deal with the situation.