Remove or Resolve an IRS Tax Lien on Your Property
A federal tax lien attaches to all your current and future assets — blocking refinancing, sale of property, and access to credit. Several options exist to remove or reduce its impact.
What Is a Federal Tax Lien?
A federal tax lien is the IRS's legal claim against all of your current and future property when you fail to pay a tax debt after being notified of it. The lien attaches to everything you own — real estate, vehicles, financial accounts, and any future assets you acquire.
The lien becomes public when the IRS files a Notice of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) in public records with your county or state recorder. This public filing alerts creditors to the IRS's prior claim on your assets and can severely damage your credit, prevent refinancing or sale of property, and make it difficult to get business financing.
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Importantly, a lien is different from a levy. A lien is a legal claim — it doesn't take your property. But it blocks your ability to sell, refinance, or use your assets as collateral without addressing the IRS debt first.
All assets
Current and future property is subject to the lien until resolved
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Options to Remove or Reduce a Federal Tax Lien
Start Your CaseLien Withdrawal
The IRS withdraws the public Notice of Federal Tax Lien — removing it from public records as if it never existed. Available when entering a direct debit installment agreement under Fresh Start criteria.
Lien Release
The lien is released when the tax debt is fully paid, an OIC is accepted, or the collection statute expires. A release removes the IRS's legal claim but remains in credit records.
Lien Discharge
Removes the lien from a specific property (e.g., to allow a sale) while leaving it attached to other assets. Allows a property transaction to proceed.
Lien Subordination
Allows another creditor's claim to take priority over the IRS lien — making it possible to obtain refinancing or a mortgage even with a lien in place.
When Can You Get a Lien Withdrawn or Removed?
The method available to you depends on your balance, payment status, and type of resolution.
Don't self-disqualify
More taxpayers qualify than the IRS's initial rejection letters suggest. A professional evaluation takes 15 minutes and costs nothing.
Direct debit compliance
The Fresh Start initiative allows lien withdrawal when you enter a qualifying direct debit installment agreement.
OIC accepted
When an OIC is accepted and paid, the lien is released as part of the settlement.
Property sale pending
If you're selling a property and proceeds will satisfy the lien, we can arrange a discharge to allow the sale to close.
Refinancing needed
Subordination allows a new mortgage lender to take priority over the IRS lien — enabling a refinance even with an active lien.
IRS violated procedures
If the lien was filed improperly or without required notice, a Collection Due Process challenge may result in withdrawal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about federal tax lien.
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