Atlanta Tax Lien Attorney – Cumberland Law Group, LLC

Most people in this country must pay taxes. This is a requirement for every citizen unless their income is low enough or if the person doesn’t work or have money or valuable assets. Tax laws can be complex and confusing for the average person. It gets trickier when a business owner must pay the proper tax on the profits of the business during tax season.

Each year, many people neglect to pay the right amount of taxes either on purpose or through an honest mistake. Certain tax problems may require the services of a skilled tax lien attorney Atlanta inhabitants will find knowledgeable about this legal subject.

What Is a Tax Lien

When a person fails to pay the IRS what is owed, the IRS can take out a tax lien on that person and his/her assets of value. This is a serious legal matter that should be addressed promptly. A tax lien is when the government places a claim on a delinquent taxpayer’s property that can include your home, vehicles, money in a bank account, and other assets.

If the delinquent tax is not made by the taxpayer to the IRS quickly enough, the IRS can then proceed to get their owed monies through a federal tax levy. This is when the government can take possession of valuables and assets to pay off the tax debt.

When a tax levy is in place, the IRS can move to freeze bank accounts, garnish wages, or other financial payments including social security checks. The IRS can also seize real estate, and they do not mess around. Homeowners in trouble with the IRS have come home to find their house barricaded and locks changed.

What Does It Mean if You Have a Tax Lien?

The IRS will initiate a tax lien if they believe that someone is being less than forthcoming about their finances and tax payments. This can be frustrating and cause ongoing headaches for the taxpayer.

Consequences of having a tax lien against you:

• Negative Credit Reports
• May Ruin Community Reputation
• Could Hinder Future Ability to Get Loans, Mortgages & Other Lines of Credit
• IRS Can Report a Lien to Public Sites Causing Embarrassment
• Some Professionals That Hold Licenses May Not Be Able to Renew Until Tax Is Paid/Settled
• Negative Publicity Can Damage Professional Status
• Can Impact Getting Loans for Cars, Kids College Expenses, Store Credit Denial, Passing a Background Check & More
• Can Lead to Tax Levy Where Government Seizes Your Property and/or Money

There are more negative impacts due to a tax lien or levy that includes facing problems when renting a home or apartment, may reflect badly on job-related inquiries potentially keeping the person out of certain job positions due to the negative credit and other details.

Negative impacts of a tax lien:

• May Hinder or Deny a Home or Other Property Sale or Lease
• Might Stop a Homeowner from Refinancing Home
• Can Lead to Harassing Phone Calls from Creditors
• Process Is Slow and Time-Consuming
• How to Get a Tax Lien Removed

Once a tax lien has been filed, the IRS puts a public notice that creditors and others will see. This lien indicates that the taxpayer’s property now is claimed by the IRS for overdue tax payments. Getting a tax lien removed can be difficult but not impossible in most cases.

Ways you can get a tax lien removed:

• The taxpayer pays up owed taxes, interests & other owed monies
• The IRS accepts a bond from the taxpayer that promises tax payment
• Lien is automatically released under certain conditions after 10 years
• IRS accepts a taxpayers Offer in Compromise after negotiating successfully for payment of the lower amount owed
• When the release of lien benefits IRS and/or IRS & taxpayer
• IRS may withdraw the lien if they get their money faster by doing so
• IRS made a mistake when processing lien
• If the taxpayer did not have ample time to dispute new tax lien amounts
• Taxpayer files a Certificate of Discharge when selling a home, business, or other property types
• It May be released if the taxpayer was bankrupt in some specific cases
• A tax lien attorney sets up arrangements to pay off the owed tax

When to Contact an Attorney

Not every tax issue will need a lawyer’s service. However, any tax lien should be quickly taken care of to avoid the further legal action of a tax levy. The IRS moves relatively fast when they feel a taxpayer has been untruthful or committed tax fraud of some type. There are times when contacting an attorney is prudent and wise.

Some common reasons why taxpayers may need an attorney to handle IRS tax liens and/or tax levies include:

When being audited by IRS & doesn’t seem normal or routine
Criminal charges have been filed against you by IRS
You are involved or plan to file a bankruptcy claim or appeal
You need a professional lawyer to speak on your legal behalf to the IRS or other government agencies
Where to Find a Qualified Atlanta Tax Lien Attorney

Dealing with the IRS on serious matters like tax liens and possible tax levies can be a stressful and confusing time. Having a lawyer familiar with these tax laws and legal measures can help clear up the confusion and give taxpayers a welcome peace-of-mind. Contact Cumberland Law Group, LLC at (678) 385-5953 or schedule a free consultation on our easy contact form.