
Federal lien statutes
Federal lien statutes are laws that allow the government to claim a legal right over a person's property to secure payment of a debt, typically due to unpaid taxes. When someone fails to pay federal taxes, the IRS can file a lien, effectively making a public record that the government has a financial interest in the property. This can affect the owner's ability to sell or refinance the property, as the lien must be resolved before the title is clear. Ultimately, it ensures the government can collect owed taxes while protecting its financial interests.