⚖️ Tax Liens – What You Need to Know.
💡 You Deserve a Fresh Start!
At A Fresh Start Law, we’ve helped hundreds of people just like you break free from overwhelming debt and regain peace of mind. If you’re struggling with a tax lien, you’re not alone—and there are solutions.
💰 What Is a Tax Lien?
A tax lien is the government’s legal claim against your property when you fail to pay (or file) your taxes. Unlike a loan or mortgage that you agree to, tax liens are imposed without your consent.
The IRS and state tax authorities have powerful tools at their disposal. They can file liens against:
- 🏠 Your home and other real estate.
- 🚗 Your vehicles.
- 💳 Bank accounts and paychecks.
- 🏦 Retirement savings.
And unfortunately, federal law overrides many state protections, so assets you thought were safe may still be at risk.
🚫 What You Need to Know About Tax Liens.
When it comes to collecting money, the IRS and other tax authorities have extraordinary powers. If you owe taxes, they can file a tax lien against nearly anything you own — your home, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement savings, and even your paycheck.
A tax lien is like a mortgage you never agreed to. It attaches to your assets, often without your consent, and must usually be resolved before you can sell or refinance property. Worse yet, tax liens don’t just stop at real estate — they can cover all of your property and financial accounts.
That’s why a tax lien is never “just paperwork.” It’s a serious warning sign that everything you own is at risk.
📈 Why Tax Liens Are Serious.
Once a tax lien is filed, the government can eventually seize your property to cover:
💰 The unpaid tax debt (principal).
📈 Accruing interest.
📈 Costly penalties.
⏳ The longer you wait, the more the interest and penalties pile up—often making the debt larger than the original taxes owed. That’s why ignoring a tax lien can quickly turn into a financial emergency.
🏠 What Assets Do Tax Liens Affect?
Unlike most creditors, the government can bypass state laws that normally protect your property. Under the U.S. Constitution, federal law outranks state exemption laws, meaning IRS liens often override Nevada’s otherwise generous protections.
A tax lien can attach to:
- Your home or other real estate.
- Your vehicles.
- Bank accounts and savings.
- Retirement accounts (such as pensions or IRAs).
- Your paycheck and future earnings.
- Other personal or business property.
Once in place, the lien covers not just the taxes you owe, but also interest and penalties, which can quickly grow larger than the original debt.
⚖️ Why You Can’t Ignore a Tax Lien.
Many people make the mistake of setting tax lien notices aside, hoping they’ll somehow disappear. But ignoring them only gives the government more power. If you don’t take action, the IRS (or state tax authority) can:
- Seize and sell your property.
- Clean out your bank account.
- Garnish your wages.
- Intercept your Social Security or retirement income.
Even though the government usually follows legal procedures, mistakes do happen — and without the right legal guidance, you might lose property unnecessarily.
🌟 How We Help Remove the Weight of Tax Liens.
At A Fresh Start Law, we know how urgent and stressful a tax lien can feel. The good news is that there are solutions, including:
- Negotiating payment plans that fit your budget.
- Reducing penalties and interest through tax relief programs.
- Challenging improper liens filed in error.
- Exploring bankruptcy options when appropriate to stop collection actions.
We’ll look at your unique financial situation and guide you to the option that gives you the most protection and peace of mind.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Liens.
Can a tax lien be removed?
Yes. Depending on your circumstances, liens can sometimes be released, withdrawn, or subordinated (placed behind other debts) to allow refinancing or settlement.
Will bankruptcy clear a tax lien?
It depends. Some older tax debts can be discharged in bankruptcy, but tax liens often survive unless specific steps are taken. That’s why a skilled bankruptcy and tax attorney is essential.
What’s the difference between a tax lien and a levy?
A lien is a claim against your property. A levy is when the IRS actually takes your property (such as seizing funds in your bank account).
What should I do if I get a notice of tax lien?
Don’t ignore it. Contact a tax lien attorney immediately. The sooner you act, the more options you’ll have to protect your assets.
⚠️ Common Misconceptions.
- “It’s just paperwork.” → Wrong. A tax lien can block you from selling or refinancing property.
- “They won’t come after me.” → The IRS and tax authorities routinely enforce liens and seize assets. They will come after the “little guy,” who may lack the resources to fight, than some “fat cat” who has their tax lawyer on “speed dial.” We’ve seen them tow away a 15-year-old vehicle from an unemployed senior citizen who ignored the many warnings they mailed.
- “I can ignore it until I’m ready.” → Delays only make the debt worse and reduce your options.
✨ There Is Hope.
Here’s the good news: tax liens can be resolved.
At A Fresh Start Law, we explore every legal option available, which may include:
- Negotiating a repayment plan.
- Challenging errors in the lien.
- Reducing or removing penalties.
- Exploring bankruptcy options if appropriate.
You don’t have to face this alone. Our team will step in right away to protect your property and your future.
📞 Take Action Before It’s Too Late, or Just Take the First Step.
A tax lien is not a problem that fixes itself. The longer you wait, the more penalties and interest pile up — and the more aggressive the IRS becomes.
A tax lien isn’t the end, or a moral failing—it’s a problem with a solution. Contact us today, and let’s take the first step toward regaining your financial freedom and finally eliminating your tax worries.
At A Fresh Start Law, Attorney Dorothy Bunce and our caring legal team have decades of experience protecting Nevada residents from tax liens and IRS collection actions.
Call us today at (702) 551-3256 or reach out online to schedule a consultation. Let us help you take control before the IRS takes control of your life.