Taxes are the dues that we pay to live in a civilized society. A major part of those taxes come out of our personal incomes or are levied against property that we own. The federal government, state government, and municipalities rely on these funds for everything from national defense to road repair and for paying public employees. With such reliance on these taxes, it is no surprise that the government will go to great lengths to collect what is due.
If a person or company fails to pay their taxes on time, the government may seek out a tax lien. This lien can attach to property, specifically real estate. If the property’s owner fails to pay on time, the government may move to seize that property. An Oakland property tax foreclosure lawyer could help families and businesses facing the seizure of their property due to alleged unpaid taxes. An experienced foreclosure attorney at our firm could review the circumstances of your case and advise on your legal options.
When Might the Government Move to Create a Property Tax Lien?
The payment of taxes is something that all citizens, legal resident aliens, and businesses must do on at least an annual basis. The proper payment of these taxes often requires an in-depth financial analysis at one’s own expense. For this reason, it is critical to be able to properly determine one’s own tax obligations and make payments on time.
A failure to do so could lead a state, federal, or local government body to claim a tax arrearage. If a person or business receives a notice that they owe additional taxes during a pay period or fail to make payments at all, they must take immediate action to remedy this fault. If they do not, the government may move to place a lien on physical property. This can often include a family home or place of business. An Oakland property tax foreclosure attorney could provide more information about the legal basis for attaching property to an overdue tax bill.
Fighting Back Against Proposed Tax Foreclosures
The creation of a lien on property signals the possibility that a government entity may attempt to foreclose on the land in the future. A lien that goes unpaid over a length of time may motivate the government to initiate and carry out a judicial foreclosure that may result in the loss of the property. A property tax foreclosure lawyer in Oakland is dedicated to preventing this outcome.
One option is to dispute the legitimacy of the tax lien. An analysis of financial records and tax payments may lead to the discovery that a family or business is now up to date on their tax bills. This could lead to the removal of the lien that justified the pending foreclosure.
Another choice is to negotiate with the government. Just as foreclosures are complex and costly processes for banks, they are also inconvenient steps for the government. In many examples, they are willing to negotiate with people or companies to settle the case for a fraction of the total tax bill. Allowing an Oakland property tax foreclosure attorney to handle the case could result in a better overall economic outcome that allows clients to retain control of their property.
Reach Out to an Oakland Property Tax Foreclosure Attorney Today
An alleged failure to pay taxes can have serious legal consequences. Not least among these is the ability of the government to attach your real estate to this debt. If this attachment still does not result in a proper payment, the government may move to foreclose on the property.
An Oakland property tax foreclosure lawyer is prepared to help. They could work to dispute the legality of the lien, evaluate payments that you have made on your taxes, and even negotiate a settlement with the tax authorities that could result in the end of the lien that led to the foreclosure case. Call now to speak with one of our knowledgeable legal professionals.