QUESTION
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)
Asked on Aug 06th, 2011 on Taxation - Georgia
More details to this question:
The state hired a collection agency who ''located'' me nearly 5 years after I filed a tax return. The state claimed I did not pay enough tax on my wages. I had lived & worked in 2 different states, 6 mo each (CA & GA) . I filed a federal and a state tax return for both states. Copies of all returns were sent to each of the 2 collection agencies and to the GA Dept of Taxation. Once GA got my tax returns, the amount was reduced, but not removed. How do I get the lien resolved on my credit report? Thank you.
2 ANSWERS
2 Awards
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.
Get tax help now - Contact Atlanta tax attorney and CPA Jeffrey S. Gartzman today.
Phone: 770-939-7710 / Fax: 770-939-7743
Address: 2851 Henderson Mill Road Atlanta GA 30341
Answered on Oct 10th, 2011 at 1:26 PM
2 Awards
Until you pay the balance due or settle the balance due by paying a lesser amount which is agreeable to both you and the creditor, the lien will not be released and will not come off your credit report. You can contact a Georgia tax attorney to help you with this matter or the certified public accountant (CPA) who prepared your tax returns may be able to assist you with the creditor by showing that you paid the proper amount of tax initially.
Best of Luck with this matter.
Mary E. King, Esq., Law Office of Mary E. King, PL
The response does not form an attorney-client relationship,nor is it intended to be anything other than the educated opinion of the author. It should not be relied upon as legal advice. To speak with Attorney Mary E. King, please call (877) SOS-TAX-LAW or visit www.taxlawyerflorida.com.
Answered on Sep 15th, 2011 at 9:25 PM