I recently answered a couple tax lien questions on Lawyers.com and I recommend you check it out to learn how to resolve a tax lien:

Q: “What lawyer do I contact to resolve a tax lien for less than $2000? It is from a state where I no longer live. (Georgia)”

A: It would be best to contact a lawyer licensed in the state of Georgia who specializes in Federal and State tax resolution. Navigating the Georgia Department of Revenue is no simple task and the guidance of an experienced Georgia tax attorney can prove to be invaluable.

Q: How do I get a lien resolved on my credit report?

A: Unfortunately in Georgia, a tax lien cannot be released until the balance is paid in full. If you cannot afford to pay off the balance in one lump sum, it may be possible to enter into a payment arrangement. Additionally, it may be possible to pursue a settlement offer or a penalty waiver which in some circumstances can reduce the balance owed. Once the balance is paid, Georgia will release the lien. The record of the lien will stay on file at the courthouse and probably be on your credit record for 7 years. Once the lien is released, you may contact the major credit bureaus and let them know the balance is paid, but the record of the lien filing will still remain. In some rare circumstances it may be possible to withdraw a lien, in which case it will be immediately removed from your record as thought it were never filed. This however can typically be accomplished only if the lien is wrongfully filed when it was originally filed.

If the IRS is tired of you not returning their calls and letters, or if they have not heard from an Atlanta tax attorney like The Gartzman Law Firm that represents you, they might try getting your attention with a tax lien. This financial headache is a claim on your property (house, car, business, etc.) that the IRS uses as security until your back tax debt is paid to their satisfaction. You cannot sell or transfer your property while a tax lien is in place.

In addition, the tax lien is filed with the county clerk and becomes a matter of public record, public knowledge and goes on your credit report. This black mark makes it very difficult if not impossible to qualify for a personal loan. You cannot borrow to pay off the debt, send your kid to college or make any large financial moves to help dig yourself out of your hole. You need help with your unpaid taxes. Without the help of Atlanta’s best tax lawyer, you’re dead in the water.

Or so the IRS would like you to think. They will most likely not tell you about your appeal process. After all, they know all the rules and hold all the cards. What do you have?

Atlanta’s best tax attorney! A run-of-the-mill tax lawyer may not have the experience to know that there are certain rules and stipulations associated with a Collection Appeal, but with the help of The Gartzman Law Firm, you can file one that might be the answer to your prayers. An IRS Appeals Officer will review your case, which your tax attorney has carefully crafted to defend your position, and rule on your case in five days. If you are successful, your tax lien may be released.

This is a slippery slope, and should not be navigated without the experienced guidance of an Atlanta tax attorney. We want you to be successful. It can mean the difference between financial life and death.