Requesting a Release of Federal Tax Lien
If you have suffered the IRS Problem of a tax lien, you are ready to do whatever you need to do to be rid of it. Your lien amount is a matter of public record until your lien is paid-in-full. You will want to get this information removed from public record as soon as you can.
How to Release a Tax Lien
• Payment of the lien in full including penalties and interest due (payments can be made with a certified check, cashier’s check, or money order)
• Acceptance of a bond guaranteeing payment of the lien
• The lien becomes legally unenforceable because it has been 10 years since the tax was assessed
• All fees charged to file and release the lien have been paid
You should receive a release of the lien within 30 days of payment, acceptance of bond, or it becoming legally unenforceable. If not, you can request a Certificate of Release of Federal Tax Lien.
How to Request a Certificate of Release of Federal Tax Lien
• Use publication 1450 (Instructions on How to Request a Certificate of Release of Federal Tax Lien)
• Call 1-800-913-6050
• Write or fax the local Lien Processing Unit at:
Internal Revenue Service
CCP – Lien Unit
P.O. Box 145595
Stop 8420G Team #___ (number can be found on IRS website)
Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-5595
Fax numbers are located on the IRS website, www.irs.gov
Information Needed
• Date of request
• Name and address of taxpayer
• Copy of Notice of Federal Tax Lien
• Why you want lien released
• Copy of receipt from the IRS showing paid in full or copy of canceled check or other proof that is accepted
• Telephone number with best time to call
The IRS will confirm that you have paid off the lien and issue a release.
If you are in need of a release immediately, visit or call your local IRS office. You will need to provide proof of payment at that time.
It is important to know that the certificate you receive will not show the official recording information. If you require a copy of the recorded certificate, you will need to contact the recording office where the certificate was initially filed.
Resolving IRS Problems is what our office does. Contact one of our knowledgeable staff for assistance with release of Federal tax liens or any other IRS Problems you may be experiencing. Call us today.
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Comments on Requesting a Release of Federal Tax Lien
Dear Darrin,
I read with great interest the sections of your blog on getting a copy of your lien release certificate. My situation is that I had a tax lien, paid it in 2006, and have been relocated by my company. All my goods are in storage (including my lien release from the county). I need a copy of my lien release for a new mortgage. However, you say when I contact the IRS, I need proof that I paid and that proof is also in storage. Am I better off just getting into the stored docs than contacting the IRS for the release? This was an international move- so my goods are in huge plywood crates, nailed shut. It will probably cost me at least $1000 to get into them, as my company will pay for one move only (into the new house, which I can't buy until I get a lien release…). Thanks for any input!
Lisa,
This is an easy one. Contact the clerk of court where the release was recorded and get a certified copy from them. There is normally a nominal fee (less than $10). You have next to no hope of ever getting another copy from the IRS. Not because they're mean but because they couldn't find it if their lives depended upon it. Good luck and take care,
Darrin Mish
Dear Mr. Mish,
We recently discovered an IRS tax lien on our residence when during it's pending sale, escrow was opened and prelim. title report disclosed this. The seller(me, the buyer and agents were all shocked. We had never recieved notice of this, nor any IRS statement of back taxes due nor do we in fact owe this. The lien is over the 2000 and 2002 tax years. I immediately gave this to our accountant who show resent the IRS those tax statements showing NO TAX DUE.
Our accountant is working with the tax advocate, the compliance officer and is filing on Monday a request for lien release. As we are in escrow, I very concerned we may loose the sale if this is not handled quickly. What more can or should we do to expedite this? Is hiring a tax attorney going to help or just add an extra cook in the kitchen. Is there any way you can suggest to placate the buyer while this is being worked through?
Thank you for your input?
In my opinion the first thing that needs to be done is a review of your transcripts for tax years 2000 and 2002. If you had moved or had problems with your mail you might not know if you had been audited or some other adjustments had been made to your tax accounts for those two tax years. If the lien is valid, bad news, it will need to be paid from the proceeds of the sale. If it's not valid, the IRS should release it relatively quickly. Keep in mind that's a relative term. I would imagine your CPA does not have any experience with this type of situation and therefore will not have as good idea how to proceed. I wish you the best of luck.
I had a tax lien filed and placed on my cerdit bureau report UNFAIRLY. I say unfairly because the government actually owne ME over $13,000.
Nevertheless my credit report was destroyed when they placed the lien on there, and even though they authorized a lien release, I am told it will remain on my credit bureau for 10 years or more. this isnt right.
What can I do?