If you owe taxes to the IRS, you may be at risk of having a tax lien placed on your property. A tax lien is a legal claim that allows the IRS to seize your property. It can affect your credit and your ownership rights. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent or remove a tax lien with the help of a real estate tax attorney. 

File an Appeal

If you disagree with the amount or validity of your tax debt, you can file an appeal with the IRS Office of Appeals. An appeal can challenge the lien on procedural or substantive grounds, such as calculation, assessment, or collection errors. A real estate tax attorney can help you prepare and present your case to the appeals officer and negotiate a favorable outcome.

Request a Lien Withdrawal

If you have paid off your tax debt in full or have entered into an installment agreement with the IRS, you can request a lien withdrawal. A lien withdrawal removes the lien from public records and releases your property from the IRS's claim. A real estate tax attorney can help you submit the appropriate forms and documentation to request a lien withdrawal and follow up with the IRS until it is processed.

Negotiate an Offer in Compromise

You can settle your tax debt for less than the total amount owed. An attorney will explain how an Offer in Compromise works and can let you know if you qualify, prepare and submit your offer, and negotiate with the IRS.

Apply for Innocent Spouse Relief

If you filed a joint tax return with your spouse or former spouse and they are responsible for the tax debt that resulted in the lien, you may be eligible for innocent spouse relief. 

Seek Bankruptcy Protection

In some cases, filing for bankruptcy may be an option to discharge or reorganize your tax debt and stop the IRS from enforcing a lien on your property. However, not all types of tax debt are dischargeable in bankruptcy, and some strict rules and deadlines apply. 

These are some ways a real estate tax attorney can help you avoid or remove a tax lien on your property. If you are facing a tax lien or any other tax issue, acting quickly and seeking professional help is crucial. A real estate tax attorney can help you fight for your rights so you can avoid losing your property. 

For more info, contact a local real estate tax attorney.