Segal, Cohen & Landis, P.C.
Protect Your Credit, Assets, and Reputation from IRS Tax Liens
IRS tax attorneys — Beverly Hills, CA. National representation.
A federal tax lien is the IRS's legal claim against everything you own — your home, business assets, bank accounts, vehicles, and future property. Once filed, a Notice of Federal Tax Lien becomes a matter of public record and can devastate your credit, block real estate transactions, prevent business financing, and harm your professional reputation. Segal, Cohen & Landis has helped hundreds of clients resolve federal tax liens through lien withdrawal, subordination, discharge, and resolution of the underlying tax debt. Our attorneys understand the mechanics of tax lien law and use every available tool to minimize the lien's impact on your life.
How We Help
Our Approach to IRS Tax Lien Attorney
Lien Withdrawal
A withdrawal removes the public Notice of Federal Tax Lien from the record, as if it was never filed — the strongest remedy available. We pursue withdrawal when the IRS filed the lien prematurely, the taxpayer is in a direct debit installment agreement, or withdrawal serves the government's interest in collecting the debt. A withdrawn lien no longer appears on credit reports.
Lien Discharge
A discharge removes a federal tax lien from specific property, allowing a sale or refinance to proceed. It does not eliminate the lien — it simply detaches it from the property. This is commonly used when a client needs to sell real estate to access equity for tax resolution. We prepare the discharge application and negotiate the discharge amount with the IRS.
Lien Subordination
Subordination makes the IRS lien secondary to another creditor's interest, typically to allow a refinance or new mortgage. This can be used to free up equity that helps pay down the tax debt. We coordinate the subordination process with your lender to ensure the transaction closes.
Tax Debt Resolution
The most permanent solution to a tax lien is resolving the underlying debt. Once the full tax balance is paid, or an Offer in Compromise is accepted, the IRS is required to release the lien within 30 days. We pursue all available resolution strategies — OIC, installment agreements, penalty abatement — to eliminate the debt and the lien with it.
How It Works
The Resolution Process
Lien Review
We pull your IRS transcripts and identify the lien(s) — amount, filing date, and the assets encumbered. We determine which remedy is appropriate based on your financial situation and goals.
Strategy Selection
We advise on withdrawal, discharge, subordination, or debt resolution — sometimes a combination. The right strategy depends on whether you need to sell property, refinance, or simply stop the lien from harming your credit.
Application and Negotiation
We prepare and submit the appropriate IRS forms, coordinate with lenders or title companies, and negotiate directly with the IRS to achieve the outcome.
Resolution
Once the lien is withdrawn, discharged, or the debt resolved, we confirm the IRS has properly updated its records and coordinate with credit bureaus where applicable.
Ready to Resolve Your Tax Problem?
Our attorneys have helped thousands of clients resolve IRS matters. Your consultation is free and confidential.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a federal tax lien affect my credit?+
A Notice of Federal Tax Lien filed in the public record can appear on your credit report and dramatically lower your credit score. It signals to lenders, landlords, and business partners that the government has a prior claim on all your assets.
Can the IRS lien on my home even if I don't owe money on it?+
Yes. A federal tax lien attaches to all property you own at the time of filing and all property you acquire afterward — including your home, regardless of equity or mortgage status.
What is the difference between a lien and a levy?+
A lien is a legal claim — it encumbers your assets. A levy is an actual taking — the IRS seizes and sells your property or garnishes your wages. A lien can precede a levy if the debt remains unpaid.
Can I sell my house with a tax lien?+
You can request a lien discharge on the property to allow the sale to proceed. The IRS typically requires that lien proceeds from the sale be applied to the tax debt. Our attorneys manage this process so your closing can occur.
Will the lien come off my credit report after it's released?+
A released lien means the debt was paid. Withdrawn liens are treated as if never filed and removed from credit reports. Released (paid) liens may remain on credit reports for up to 7 years — but we pursue withdrawal whenever possible for the cleanest outcome.
Further reading
Beverly Hills · Los Angeles · National
Segal, Cohen & Landis, P.C.
9100 Wilshire Boulevard, 601 East Tower, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
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