Taxation & Estate Planning

Requesting a Release of Federal Tax Lien

By Darrin Mish

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.

Full post as published by IRS Problem Solver Blog on March 20, 2008 (boomark / email).