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LIENS (LIEN)

LIEN - 1	What is a tax lien? A tax lien is a legal claim the Tax Commission files against your property to secure payment of the taxes you owe. A lien is filed only after all of your opportunities to appeal a tax debt have been exhausted. It’s filed at the Secretary of State’s office as a public record. The tax lien attaches to all property you own in Idaho, including your land, house, and vehicles. With the tax lien in place, the Tax Commission may also issue a warrant to seize your wages, bank accounts, and other assets, if necessary. Contact us if you need more information. Return to Questions
LIEN - 2	How does a tax lien affect me? A tax lien can affect your ability to sell your property or buy new property. For example, if you want to sell or refinance your property, you must pay off the tax lien to get a clear title. Tax liens are listed on your credit report and will decrease your credit rating, which may affect your ability to get loans or financing. A tax lien is valid for five years unless a continuation is filed before it expires. The continuation extends the lien another five years. Continuations can be filed repeatedly, which could make a tax lien valid indefinitely. Idaho law requires continuations on state liens until they’re paid in full. This applies to all liens except those for child support, which don’t expire. Ref: Idaho Code Section 45-1906 Contact us if you need more information. Return to Questions
LIEN - 3	How can I avoid a tax lien? To avoid having a tax lien filed against you, send the Tax Commission full payment by the final payment date on your Notice and Demand letter. We accept Cash, check, money orders, Visa and MasterCard at our offices and by telephone. We accept e-check, Discover, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express payments online. Contact us if you need more information. Return to Questions
LIEN - 4	How do liens filed against me get on my credit report? All Idaho state agencies file liens as public record. Record research companies can get this information and report it to the credit reporting companies. The credit reporting companies then put the information on your credit report. Contact us if you need more information. Return to Questions
LIEN - 5	I have an unknown tax lien on my credit report. What should I do? E-mail our Lien Desk and request a lien search (please supply the docket or filing number). We’ll conduct a lien search and determine if we filed the lien. If we filed the lien, and it belongs to you…we’ll explain why. If we filed the lien, but it doesn’t belong to you…we’ll send you a letter that clears you of responsibility for the lien. You’ll need to file a dispute in writing with the credit reporting agency or agencies that have the incorrect information, along with a copy of this letter. If the Tax Commission didn’t file the lien…we’ll let you know. To find out who filed the lien, contact the county recorder or Secretary of State’s Office where the lien is filed as a public record. Contact us if you need more information. Return to Questions
LIEN - 6	How long does an Idaho tax lien stay on my credit report? It depends on the credit reporting company, which is regulated by federal statutes. Contact us if you need more information. Return to Questions
LIEN - 7	I paid off a lien, but it still shows on my credit report. How do I prove it’s been paid? E-mail our Lien Desk and request a lien search (please supply the docket and filing number). We’ll do a complete lien search to determine whether the lien has been paid. If the lien was released, we’ll mail, E-mail, or fax a copy of the release directly to you. Even though the lien has been paid, the record may still show that it was filed and released. Contact us if you need more information. Return to Questions
LIEN - 8	My spouse and I only have one Idaho tax debt. Why are there two liens listed on our credit report? When the tax debt is a joint liability, the Tax Commission files a lien against both spouses. However, you’ll pay only one debt to have both liens released. Contact us if you need more information. Return to Questions
LIEN - 9	I’ve received a lien notice or a lien renewal notice from the Tax Commission. What should I do? Call us at the phone number listed on the notice and we’ll be glad to help you. Contact us if you need more information. Return to Questions