If you owe taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you may be at risk of having a tax lien placed on your property. A tax lien is a legal claim against your property that the IRS can use to secure payment of your tax debt. It can affect your credit score, make it difficult to sell your property, and even result in the seizure of your assets.
If you are concerned about a potential tax lien or want to check if one has already been placed on your property, you can conduct an IRS tax lien lookup. In this article, we will discuss what an IRS tax lien is, how to conduct a tax lien lookup, and what to do if you find a lien on your property.
What is an IRS Tax Lien?
Before we dive into how to conduct an IRS tax lien lookup, it’s important to understand what a tax lien is and how it can affect you.
A tax lien is a legal claim against your property that the IRS can use to secure payment of your tax debt. It is different from a tax levy, which is the actual seizure of your assets to satisfy your tax debt. A tax lien is a public record and can be seen by anyone who conducts a search, such as potential lenders or employers.
If you have a tax lien on your property, it can negatively impact your credit score and make it difficult to obtain credit or sell your property. It can also result in the seizure of your assets if you do not pay your tax debt.
How to Conduct an IRS Tax Lien Lookup
Conducting an IRS tax lien lookup is a simple process that can be done online for free. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Before you begin your tax lien lookup, you will need to gather some information. This includes your Social Security number, the tax year(s) in question, and any notices or letters you have received from the IRS.
Step 2: Visit the IRS Website
The first step in conducting an IRS tax lien lookup is to visit the IRS website. From the homepage, click on the “Tools” tab and then select “Online Services” from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Access the Online Services Portal
On the Online Services page, click on the “View Your Account” button. This will take you to the Online Services portal, where you can access your tax account information.
Step 4: Log in or Create an Account
If you already have an account, you can log in using your username and password. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one by clicking on the “Create an Account” button and following the prompts.
Step 5: Access Your Tax Account Information
Once you have logged in, you will be able to access your tax account information. From here, you can view your tax balance, payment history, and any tax liens that have been placed on your property.
Step 6: Conduct a Tax Lien Search
To conduct a tax lien search, click on the “View Your Tax Account” button. This will take you to a page where you can view your tax account summary. Scroll down to the “Liens” section and click on the “View Details” button.
Step 7: Review the Results
The results of your tax lien search will be displayed on the screen. If there are no liens on your property, the screen will say “No liens found.” If there are liens, they will be listed along with the date they were filed and the amount owed.
IRS tax lien lookup free
If you do not have access to the internet or prefer not to use the online tool, you can also conduct an IRS tax lien lookup for free by contacting the IRS directly. You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and request a copy of your tax account transcript. This transcript will include any tax liens that have been filed against you. You can also request a copy of your tax lien release, which will show that a lien has been released or withdrawn.
Other options for conducting an IRS tax lien lookup
If you are unable to use the online tool or contact the IRS directly, there are other options for conducting an IRS tax lien lookup. You can visit your local IRS office and request a copy of your tax account transcript or tax lien release in person. You can also request these documents by mail by filling out Form 4506-T and mailing it to the IRS.
What to Do if You Find a Tax Lien
If you find a tax lien on your property, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take:
Contact the IRS
The first thing you should do is contact the IRS to confirm the lien and determine the amount owed. You can do this by calling the phone number listed on the lien or by visiting your local IRS office.
Pay the Tax Debt
If you have the means to do so, the best course of action is to pay the tax debt in full. This will release the lien and prevent any further action from the IRS.
Request a Lien Discharge
If you are unable to pay the tax debt in full, you can request a lien discharge. This is a legal document that removes the lien from your property and allows you to sell or refinance it. To request a lien discharge, you will need to fill out Form 14135 and submit it to the IRS.
Negotiate a Payment Plan
If you are unable to pay the tax debt in full, you may be able to negotiate a payment plan with the IRS. This will allow you to pay off the debt in installments over time. To request a payment plan, you will need to fill out Form 9465 and submit it to the IRS.
Seek Professional Help
Dealing with the IRS can be overwhelming and confusing. If you are unsure of what steps to take or need help negotiating with the IRS, it may be beneficial to seek professional help from a tax attorney or accountant.
News
In a daring scheme dubbed “Tax Bandits,” a group led by a former gang member operating from a California prison attempted to defraud the IRS of over half a billion dollars in tax refunds, primarily through false claims for the Employee Retention Tax Credit. This fraudulent activity, part of the wider phenomenon of pandemic relief abuse, involved setting up fake businesses and overstating wages to claim substantial refunds. Despite recent efforts by the IRS to combat such fraud, including pausing the program and stepping up audits, the issue persists, prompting calls from officials for congressional action to protect taxpayers and legitimate businesses.
Conclusion
Conducting an IRS tax lien lookup is a straightforward and convenient process that can be easily completed online at no cost to you. By carefully following the detailed steps provided in this informative article, you will be able to efficiently and effectively check whether there are any potentially problematic tax liens placed on your property. Once you have identified the presence of any tax liens, it is crucial that you take swift and decisive action to address and resolve them promptly. Procrastination in dealing with this issue can lead to escalating consequences and penalties from the IRS, making it imperative to act promptly and responsibly to protect your financial interests and assets.
