IRS Tax Lien Removal
A Tax Lien on Your Record Changes Everything.We Help You Remove It.
Every Lien Removal Option Explored For You
We leave no path on the table for your specific situation
THOROUGH
You Never Talk to the IRS Again
We handle every call, letter, and filing on your behalf
HANDS-OFF
Your Credit and Property Stay Protected
We move fast so the lien does not cost you more than it already has
PROTECTED
Rachel Simmons
IRS Enrolled Agent - 14 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
Tax Lien Filed
CP523 Notice + Federal Lien on Record
Day 1
Agent Assigned
Rachel Simmons taking over
Day 1
IRS Contacted On Your Behalf
Lien Subordination Request Filed
Day 1
Marcus Webb
Tax Resolution Specialist · 11 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
Federal Tax Lien Discovered
Lien Showing on Credit Report
Day 1
Financial Review Completed
Compliance and Payment History Assessed
Day 2
Lien Withdrawal Application Filed
IRS Withdrawal Request Under Review
Day 3
Diana Okafor
IRS Resolution Attorney · 16 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
Property Sale Blocked by IRS Lien
Title Search Flagged Active Federal Lien
Day 1
Power Of Attorney Filed
IRS Communication Redirected to Our Team
Day 1
Lien Discharge Strategy Prepared
Property-Specific Discharge Evaluation Started
Day 2
What happens when an IRS lien goes unresolved
The IRS Does Not Wait. And a Lien Does Not Expire on Its Own.
If you feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. Start with the situation that matches what is happening right now, and you will land on the right next step.
The Notice of Federal Tax Lien Is Filed
The IRS files the lien publicly. It shows up in title searches, credit reports, and public records. Most people find out when they try to sell property or refinance.
act now
Your Credit Score Drops
The public lien signals unpaid federal debt to every lender, landlord, and creditor checking your file. Financing becomes harder. Interest rates go up. Opportunities close.
escalating
Property Sales and Refinancing Get Blocked
Any property you own is now encumbered. Buyers find the lien at closing. Lenders flag it before approval. You cannot sell or refinance cleanly until it is resolved.
critical
The Lien Follows You Into Every Asset
New property. Bank accounts. Business assets. A federal tax lien attaches to everything you own now and everything you acquire after filing. It does not stay contained.
urgent
You Call Us, We Step In
Your enrolled agent files for withdrawal, discharge, or subordination immediately. We handle the IRS. You handle your life.
Protected
Tax relief is possible
Speak to a tax resolution expert today.
What a Federal Tax Lien Actually Means for You
What Most People Get Wrong About IRS Tax Liens
A federal tax lien is not a death sentence for your finances. But it does need to be handled correctly. Most people find out too late, wait too long, or try to handle it alone. All three make it worse.
Common Myth
"An IRS tax lien and an IRS levy are the same thing."
"Once the IRS files a lien, there is nothing I can do until I pay in full."
"A tax lien on my record means I cannot sell my house."
"I just need to pay off the debt and the lien disappears automatically."
The Reality
They are not. A lien is a legal claim against your property. A levy is when the IRS actually takes it. A lien can become a levy if you ignore it, but at the lien stage, you still have real options.
The IRS offers four specific tools to address a lien without full payment: withdrawal, discharge, subordination, and release. Each one fits a different situation. A good enrolled agent knows which one applies to yours.
Not necessarily. If the sale proceeds cover the lien, the IRS can discharge it specifically for that property. Sales happen all the time even with active liens, when the process is handled correctly.
Paying the debt triggers the release process, but the lien does not vanish from public records the same day. Withdrawal must be actively requested to clean your credit and title record properly.
Ready to find out which lien resolution option fits your situation?
Free consultation • No obligation • confidential
Do you qualify?
Find Out Today
Two quick questions. Then we show you what applies.
Your Options
Find the Right IRS Resolution Program for Your Situation
Offer in Compromise
Can't pay in full
Tax debt is stressful, and tax relief is a serious decision. Our approach is built around clear communication, realistic options, and steady progress, so you understand what is happening and why.
Best for you if
You owe more than you can realistically ever pay back and your income and assets are limited.
Typical Timeline
6 to 12 months from application to IRS decision. Collections paused during review.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
Installment Agreement
Pay over time
A structured monthly payment plan negotiated directly with the IRS. Stops collection pressure while giving you a clear, manageable path to resolve your tax balance over an agreed period.
Best for you if
You can afford to pay your debt over time but need a structured plan that stops IRS enforcement.
Typical Timeline
30 to 90 days to set up. Payments begin immediately once approved by the IRS.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
Currently Not Collectible
Pause collections
If paying your tax debt would create serious financial hardship, the IRS can temporarily halt all collection activity, no levies, no garnishments, no calls, while your financial situation is reassessed.
Best for you if
You have no ability to pay right now due to hardship, unemployment, or essential living expenses.
Typical Timeline
Can be granted quickly. Status is reviewed periodically by the IRS as your situation changes.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
Penalty Abatement
Reduce penalties
IRS penalties added to your debt can be removed or reduced if you meet eligibility criteria. Often granted for first-time compliance issues or reasonable cause. Reduces your total balance without affecting the underlying tax.
Best for you if
Your balance has grown significantly due to penalties and interest and you have a history of compliance.
Typical Timeline
Response from IRS typically within 30 to 60 days of submission. Can be requested by phone or letter.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
Innocent Spouse Relief
Remove liability
If your spouse or former spouse created a tax liability without your knowledge or consent, you may be able to remove yourself from that debt entirely using the IRS Innocent Spouse Relief program.
Best for you if
You filed jointly with a spouse who understated income or claimed improper deductions without your knowledge.
Typical Timeline
6 months or more depending on complexity. An enrolled agent handles all IRS communication.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
None of These Feel Like a Fit?
Let's figure it out together
Every tax situation is different. If none of the above programs feel like a clear fit, an enrolled agent will review your full case, identify every option the IRS offers, and tell you honestly what applies at no cost to you.
Best for you if
Anyone unsure of their options or whose situation feels too complicated to fit a single program.
Typical Timeline
Your free case review typically takes 30 minutes. No paperwork needed to get started.
Case Outcomes
Real cases.
Real outcomes.
What lien resolution actually looks like when it works.
Our process
What happens from your first call to a clean record
We Review Your Full Situation
You call or submit your details. An enrolled agent pulls your IRS transcript, identifies every active lien, and tells you honestly which resolution path fits your case. No paperwork needed to start.
We Take Over Completely
Your agent files a power of attorney, contacts the IRS directly, and begins the formal lien withdrawal, discharge, or subordination process. You stop dealing with the IRS the moment you hire us.
Your Record Gets Cleared
We track the IRS response, follow up on every delay, and confirm the lien is properly withdrawn or resolved in public records. We do not consider the case closed until your record is actually clean.
Why tax hardship center
Not just another firm telling you to call the IRS yourself
IRS EA
Enrolled Agents
Federally licensed to represent you directly before the IRS, not just advisors
A+
BBB Rated
Accredited by the Better Business Bureau, verifiable, independent rating
50
States Licensed
Licensed to practice and represent clients in every state,federal and state tax issues
10,000+
Cases Resolved
Over a decade of resolving IRS and state tax cases across all 50 states
$0
Risk to You
We help you successfully resolve you case
2012
Established
Over a decade of experience, not a pop-up firm, a proven practice with a long track record
Ready to work with a team that actually gets levies released?
Testimonials
Trusted Help, With Clear Communication
When you are dealing with the IRS, you need clarity and follow through, not vague promises.
We focus on realistic options, straightforward communication, and a structured path from first call to resolution.
I review a lot of businesses. I am fair and want to provide information for people who genuinely are looking at a business to use for themselves. Regarding doing business with the Tax Hardship Center, it’s too good to be true but WOW. They helped me so much. I felt like I was out of a 10-year prison at the end. The feeling I had after they worked out all the issues I had with back tax penalties, etc., was just such a relief.
Special thanks to: Josh Bensimhon, Senior Tax Analyst, my first impression on the phone. After 2 months of searching, he was the first person that put me at ease. Jessy Zhu, Tax Preparer, for the speed and accuracy of getting the electronic form filled in and filed. Leslie Welch, Tax Preparation Associate, who clearly and precisely explained what my role was and the timeline I was on.
Gary M.
May 29th, 2024
G
Honestly I was really skeptical about getting involved with a company that deals with tax debts. After going down the tax debt resolution rabbit hole I saw so many horror stories other worrisome things, but I needed help.. badly. I got a notice of intent to levy and I knew if I did nothing my life would basically be over so I took a chance and prayed for the best.
I’m glad I did because it worked out better than I ever could have expected. Jeremy helped me understand my options and made the plan as well as the fees easy to understand and straight forward.
It ended up getting resolved better than I could have hoped for and I can finally sleep again.
I’m grateful to Jeremy, Kimberly, and the rest of my team. Thank you Tax Hardship Center
A F.
May 28, 2025
A
If you have unresolved tax issues, this is the company work with – I had a stellar experience and my tax issues were resolved in a much shorter time period than I had anticipated. Sarah, Alex and Clay were absolutely wonderful. All calls were returned promptly and they took the time to answer all questions I had. I very much appreciate their patience.
Katherine Hess was my case manager and she was absolutely wonderful to work with-she too answered all calls promptly and stayed in close contact every step of the way and her kindness, professionalism and patience were very much appreciated. I cannot recommend this company enough. If you have unresolved tax issues this is the company to work with-they go above and beyond for their clients!
Linda Little
Sep 20, 2025
L
I didn’t know if Tax Hardship could help me. I hadn’t filed tax returns in years and the IRS was sending me bills so I got scared and buried my head in the sand. I knew I had to do something about it when the letters started coming more frequently and seemed to be getting more aggressive. I decided to hire Tax Hardship and they were incredible.
My tax prepares got my returns filed quickly and the resolution team was a God send! They kept me updated throughout the process and answered all my questions. I’m now in “good standing” with the IRS
Alice P
June 06, 2026
A
20+ years of tax relief services.
Serving clients nationwide in all 50 states
Learn More
Resources on IRS Tax Liens
If you are still figuring out what a lien means for you, these will help you understand your options before you call.
You set up a payment plan with the IRS, breathed easier, and...
The letter came on a Tuesday. Nothing about Tuesdays usually feels dangerous....
You open the mailbox. There it is. An envelope with that unmistakable...
One more thing
Every Day That Lien Sits on Your Record Is a Day It Can Spread
A federal tax lien attaches to everything you own. It blocks sales. It damages credit. It follows you. The longer it sits, the more it costs. And the fewer clean options you have to resolve it. The case review is free. It costs you nothing to find out where you stand.
confidential • No obligation • IRS enrolled agents • BBB A+ Rated
Frequently asked questions
Questions People Ask before they call us
Straight answers. No runaround.
What is an IRS tax lien and how does it affect me?
An IRS tax lien is the government’s legal claim against your property because of unpaid tax debt. While it does not mean the IRS is taking your assets immediately, it can make it harder to sell property, refinance a loan, or qualify for new credit. The good news is that there may be options available to remove or reduce its impact.
What is the difference between a lien withdrawal and a lien release?
A lien release removes the IRS’s legal claim once the debt is resolved or otherwise no longer collectible. A lien withdrawal goes a step further by removing the public notice of the lien. Depending on your circumstances, one option may provide greater benefits than the other.
Can the IRS file a tax lien without warning me first?
The IRS is generally required to send notices before filing a lien. However, many taxpayers are unaware of the notices or do not realize how serious they are until the lien has already been recorded.
Will an IRS tax lien show up on my credit report?
Federal tax liens no longer appear on most consumer credit reports. However, they remain public records and can still affect real estate transactions, financing opportunities, and certain business activities.
Can I sell my house if there is an IRS tax lien on it?
In many cases, yes. Selling a property with an active tax lien is often possible, but additional steps may be required before closing. The right approach depends on the amount owed and the equity in the property.
How long does it take to remove a federal tax lien?
The timeline depends on the type of request being made. Some lien-related requests can be completed within a few weeks, while others may take longer. Starting early is always recommended, especially if a property sale or refinance is involved.
Can a tax lien be removed without paying the full amount I owe?
Sometimes. Certain IRS programs may allow lien relief even when the balance has not been paid in full. Eligibility depends on factors such as your payment arrangement, financial situation, and the purpose of the request.
What is lien subordination and when does it apply?
Lien subordination allows another creditor to move ahead of the IRS in priority. It is most commonly used when someone wants to refinance a mortgage or obtain financing while a tax lien is still in place.
Does an IRS lien go away when I set up a payment plan?
Not automatically. While a payment plan may help you qualify for additional lien relief, the lien generally remains in place until separate action is taken to address it.
What happens if I ignore an IRS tax lien?
The lien can continue affecting your property, financing options, and future assets for years. In some cases, unresolved tax debt may also lead to additional collection actions. Addressing the issue early usually provides more flexibility and more resolution options.