Tax Lien Resolution

A federal tax lien is not just a legal claim against your property. It is a public declaration that the government has priority over everything you own.

The consequences are immediate, far-reaching, and demand an immediate strategic response. At Blackridge Tax, we represent clients facing federal and state tax liens with a singular focus — removing, subordinating, discharging, or withdrawing the lien as quickly and completely as the law allows.

Understanding the Federal Tax Lien

A federal tax lien arises automatically when a taxpayer fails to pay a tax liability after assessment and formal demand. From that moment, the lien attaches to all of the taxpayer’s property — real estate, personal property, financial assets, and business interests — without exception.

When the IRS files a Notice of Federal Tax Lien publicly, everything changes. That filing becomes a matter of public record — alerting creditors, lenders, and title companies that the federal government has a legal claim that takes priority over virtually all other interests in your property.

How a Tax Lien Affects Your Financial Life

Credit & Financing: Credit reporting agencies are notified, leading to denied mortgage applications, inability to refinance, and significantly higher interest rates.
Real Estate Transactions: A tax lien must typically be addressed before any sale or refinance can proceed. Title companies require resolution as a condition of closing.
Business Operations: A lien can undermine vendor relationships, disqualify a business from government contracts, and impair the ability to secure lines of credit.

Tax Lien Strategies — Our Approach

At Blackridge Tax, we evaluate every available lien resolution strategy to protect our client’s financial interests:

Lien Subordination: Allows another creditor to move ahead of the IRS in priority, often used to facilitate a mortgage refinance or business financing.
Lien Discharge: Removes the lien from a specific piece of property so it can be sold or transferred free of the government’s claim.
Lien Release: The IRS is legally required to release a lien within 30 days after the liability is fully satisfied or becomes unenforceable.
Lien Withdrawal: The most complete form of relief — it removes the public Notice of Federal Tax Lien entirely, treating the filing as though it never occurred.

State Tax Liens — FTB, EDD & CDTFA

California taxing authorities — the Franchise Tax Board, Employment Development Department, and CDTFA — are among the most aggressive lien filers in the country. These liens carry the same severe practical consequences but operate under distinct procedural rules.

We coordinate resolution strategies when both federal and state liens are present, restoring financial flexibility while addressing the underlying obligations in the most strategically advantageous manner.

The Blackridge Standard

Blackridge Tax represents clients facing federal and state tax liens involving $50,000 or more in underlying tax liability. Our team includes a Board Certified Tax Specialist, attorneys licensed in six states and before the U.S. Tax Court, a CPA, and an Enrolled Agent.

A tax lien is not the end of the road. In the hands of the right team, it is the beginning of the resolution.

Next Steps

Property Sale Pending?

A filed lien can halt real estate transactions instantly. Secure a strategic discharge or subordination today.