Sarasota Tax Lien Lawyer

Sarasota Tax Lien Attorney

It can be unfortunately easy to get behind on your taxes, and ignoring the issue only causes penalties and interest to grow. When you owe the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) taxes and ignore its requests for payment, you could face collection actions, including a tax lien on your property. It’s important to work with a Sarasota tax lien lawyer if you cannot pay off the debt you owe to determine your other options for resolving your debt.

Some taxpayers feel that a tax lien is not that serious because it doesn’t have the immediate seizure concerns as a levy. However, tax liens can still lead to seizure, and also have many other financial consequences. It’s essential that you work with the skilled Sarasota IRS tax attorneys at TaxSmith, LLC. Our firm provides compassionate and straightforward tax advice to help you understand the options for stopping a lien and settling your debt.

The nearest IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center Office is in Sarasota, about five miles from the center of the city, on 5971 Cattleridge Boulevard. Our attorneys can help you prepare for a meeting with the IRS or represent your interests in negotiations.

Understanding a Sarasota Tax Lien

When you owe significant back taxes, the IRS can take steps to collect the debt owed. The IRS assessed more than $17 billion in penalties against taxpayers for returns not filed on time in 2024, and sent out nearly 197,000 notices of federal tax liens the same year.

A tax lien is one type of collection action taken where the IRS or Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) puts a claim on your property, such as a home or vehicle. This claims the property as collateral for your debt. If the debt remains unpaid and you do nothing, the IRS can seize the property to sell it and recover part of your debt. The IRS can place multiple tax liens if needed, and all of these can become seizures or levies.

The IRS or Florida DOR doesn’t start with a tax lien. Instead, the agency will first send you notices of nonpayment or tax bills. Then, the agency will notify you of its intention to place a lien. If you do nothing for each of these steps, you could face a tax lien. The IRS can also take other collection actions, such as bank levies and wage garnishment.

How Does a Tax Lien Affect Me?

The biggest impact a tax lien can have is through a tax deed sale, which eventually leads to the loss of the property you own. Aside from the sale of a tax deed, there are many personal and financial consequences to a tax lien. This includes:

• Preventing you from selling or refinancing assets
• Government interference in any asset transactions
• Seizure of profits made from asset sales
• New tax liens are attached to any new property you acquire
• Limiting the fields of employment you can work in, such as those requiring security clearances
• Placing liens on your business property impacts your reputation and profit
• Harming your credit, because creditors and banks can see the public information of the tax lien
• Making it difficult for you to obtain credit
• Increasing your risk of scams, including scammers using their knowledge of the lien
• A lien impacts your assets even after filing for bankruptcy

While the most effective way to stop a tax lien is to pay your debt, this isn’t always a possibility for every taxpayer. If you are not able to afford your full tax liability, the IRS is open to compromise and negotiation.

There are options to limit the amount of your tax debt or to give you more time to repay what you owe. When you work with a skilled tax lien lawyer in Sarasota, they can consider your specific financial circumstances and the debt settlement options you qualify for.

FAQs About Sarasota Tax Lien Law

How Much Does a Lawyer Charge to Clear a Lien?

How much a lawyer charges to clear a lien will depend on factors such as their experience and how complicated your situation is. The average cost of a tax lawyer in Florida is $389 per hour, although this exact amount can vary. If your case requires litigation to clear the lien, you can expect more costly attorney services. However, an attorney may have options to clear your debt for less.

Can You Dispute a Tax Lien?

Yes, you could dispute or negotiate a tax lien if you cannot afford the debt. Be aware that the most effective way to stop a tax lien is to pay the full debt. If you cannot, you may be able to negotiate another way to pay off your debt, such as an installment agreement payment plan, penalty abatement, or an offer in compromise. This can help you address your debt and potentially avoid a lien.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Tax Lien in Florida?

The statute of limitations for a tax lien in Florida refers to how long the IRS can recover back taxes for a debt you owe. Depending on the type of tax lien, this can range from five to 20 years. This doesn’t always apply, however. The IRS can renew the tax lien, meaning that the original date for the statute of limitations will not apply. The IRS can still then collect tax debt through a levy of the property.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Tax Lien Lawyer in Sarasota?

You need to hire a tax lien lawyer in Sarasota because they are a professional who can help you review your options for settling and negotiating your debt and may help you avoid substantial financial consequences. Your attorney can help you fight against a tax lien and negotiate with the tax agency. A lien can affect your credit, your business, and even cause you to lose your vehicle or home. You need to take action, and an attorney can help.

Reach Out to an Effective Sarasota Tax Lien Attorney to Protect Your Future

Tax lien cases should not be taken lightly. When you receive notice of a tax lien or have one placed on your property or properties, it is crucial that you reach out to TaxSmith, LLC. Our attorneys know how to navigate these cases and can help you find the right resolution. We know that this situation can be overwhelming, and we want to help make it more manageable.

Serving Sarasota and the Surrounding Southwest Florida Area

If you’re facing IRS tax problems, state tax issues, or need assistance with tax resolution in Sarasota or nearby communities, our experienced tax attorney is here to protect your rights and financial future. We understand the serious consequences of unresolved tax matters and the stress of dealing with tax liens, wage garnishments, audits, or collection notices.

Located in Sarasota, TaxSmith LLC is deeply familiar with both federal tax law and Florida state tax requirements. Attorney Angie Smith has successfully resolved thousands of tax cases throughout the region, offering strategic and personalized tax resolution services for individuals and businesses facing complex IRS and state tax challenges.

Whether you’ve just received a notice from the IRS, are facing an audit, or have years of unfiled tax returns, acting quickly with a Sarasota tax attorney who understands the intricacies of tax law can make all the difference in achieving the best possible outcome for your situation.