What we do

An IRS tax lien attaches to all of a taxpayer’s property once a tax debt becomes legally enforceable. This includes homes, land, rental property, and future property interests. Tax liens prevent property sales, block refinancing, and severely damage credit.

Discharge of a tax lien is a specific legal process that allows a lien to be removed from a particular piece of property—often to allow for a sale or refinancing—even if the underlying tax debt still exists.

What is a discharge of tax lien?

A Discharge of Tax Lien is an IRS-approved removal of a tax lien from a specific property. It does not eliminate the tax debt itself, but it frees the property from the IRS’s legal claim. A discharge may allow you to:

  • Sell real estate while owing back taxes
  • Refinance a home or commercial property
  • Transfer property free of lien encumbrances
  • Clear title defects discovered during escrow
  • Improve long-term credit standing

Tax lien matters we handle

Discharge of IRS tax liens
Lien removal before property sale
Lien subordination requests
Old tax lien releases
Credit-impact lien resolution
Commercial property liens
Residential property liens
Escrow deadline negotiations
Lien payoff coordination
Multiple lien properties
Partial lien discharges
Title clearance disputes
Refinancing with IRS liens
Inherited property liens
Successor liability issues

How we handle discharge of tax lien cases

01
Property & lien evaluation

We identify lien priority, equity positions, and title exposure.

02
IRS discharge strategy

Each discharge requires a different legal justification under IRS regulations.

03
Application & escrow coordination

We prepare IRS discharge applications and coordinate with title and escrow.

04
Closing & post-discharge confirmation

We ensure lien removal is properly recorded and verified.

Why work with Goldberg Tax?

  • Extensive experience with IRS lien procedures
  • Deep understanding of real estate title and escrow timing
  • Strategic lien discharge and subordination negotiation
  • Coordination with brokers, escrow officers, and lenders
  • Proven success clearing title for complex closings

When you should hire a tax lien attorney

You should seek legal counsel immediately if:

  • You are selling a home with a tax lien
  • A lien is blocking refinancing or HELOC approval
  • You discovered an old lien during escrow
  • You inherited property with attached IRS liens
  • The IRS refused automatic lien release
  • Multiple creditors are asserting priority rights
  • A closing deadline is approaching

Delays in discharge approval can derail real estate transactions entirely.

Frequently asked questions

No. Discharge only removes the lien from a specific property. The tax debt still exists.

Typically 30–45 days, but urgent sales can sometimes be expedited with proper documentation.

In many cases, yes—if a discharge is approved as part of the escrow process.

The IRS may require partial or full payment from closing funds depending on equity.

Discharge helps but full lien release is usually required for complete credit recovery.

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