Tax Lien Lawyers in West Allis
A "lien" in West Allis, Wisconsin is a type of security interest that one person or entity has in someone else's property. Typically, 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 West Allis, Wisconsin tax authorities, to collect taxes that the property-owner has failed to pay.
However, a tax lien in West Allis, Wisconsin will be ineffective if the debtor doesn't own any valuable property to encumber with a lien. As with any debt, the creditor can't collect if the debtor doesn't have any assets. However, a tax lien can be applied to property that the taxpayer acquires after the lien goes into effect.
Tax Lien Procedure in West Allis, Wisconsin
In West Allis, Wisconsin, the procedure for imposing a tax lien is relatively simple. First, the IRS makes a determination that a person is delinquent in their tax obligation.
They will then mail a document called a "notice and demand," which lets the taxpayer know that they owe money on their taxes, and that they have a certain period of time (usually 10 days) to pay what they owe.
If that time period expires, and the debtor still hasn't paid, the Wisconsin tax lien will go into effect automatically, with no further action required.
But, these rights are limited. In West Allis, Wisconsin, 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." Second, 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 West Allis, Wisconsin Tax Lien Lawyer Help?
If the federal government, or the government of Wisconsin informs you that they intend to place a tax lien on your property, you will likely face some pretty complicated and daunting legal issues.
Accordingly, it's important that you hire a tax attorney in West Allis, Wisconsin 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.