Proper handling of the notice of lien is extremely important. Generally the IRS can pursue collection of a tax liability up to 10 years from the date it was assessed. A Notice of Federal Tax Lien may be filed any time within that 10-year period.
Complete Form 14135, Application for Certificate of Discharge of Federal Tax Lien attached with this publication.
Centralized Lien Operation — To resolve basic and routine lien issues: verify a lien, request lien payoff amount, or release a lien, call 800-913-6050 or e-fax 855-390-3530.
How Can a Taxpayer Request a Discharge of an IRS Tax Lien? You need to submit form 14135, Application for Certificate of Discharge of Property from Federal Tax Lien at least 45 days before the sale or settlement meeting. Publication 783 provides the instructions for completing form 14135.
A federal tax lien is valid for 10 years and 30 days from the date of assessment, unless prior to expiration of this period of limitations, the lien is properly refilled within the time allowed by law.
If the debt is $10,000 or more (up from $5,000 before the IRS Fresh Start program), then the IRS will file a federal tax lien as early as ten days after you receive your notice.
If there is a federal tax lien on your home, you must satisfy the lien before you can sell or refinance your home. There are a number of options to satisfy the tax lien.