By law the Internal Revenue Service is required to notify you in writing of their intent to place a lien on your property. This is to afford an opportunity for you to settle your tax debt in time to avoid an IRS tax lien. Notices are sent to your last known address. If you have moved and not left a forwarding address, you may not get the notice. If the IRS does not hear from you, the tax lien will be assessed and remain part of your financial record.
Due to an enormous work load and red tape, the IRS may overlook filing the tax lien immediately giving you a little more time to resolve your tax debt. But do not count on this. If you are notified by your financial institution that a tax lien has been placed, you can appeal your case with the IRS Appeals Office. You can contact the manager of the Appeals Office to request a review. If you are turned down, present your request in writing explaining your reasons for appeal. Be certain to include IRS form #9423 “Collection Appeal Request”. This form can be downloaded from the IRS website at www.IRS.gov. You should receive their decision within five business days.
The Appeals Office will check your records to ensure the collection process and notifications have been properly completed. You will be contacted by phone regarding their decision. More often than not, they will support the tax lien action.
It is important to find a way to avoid an IRS tax lien. A tax specialist can contact the IRS on your behalf and negotiate a delay while working out a resolution to your tax debt. Having a tax lien on your financial record can ruin your credit history. It would be difficult to obtain a bank loan or to sell your property. Let a professional tax expert help you find an affordable tax debt resolution.
