Ask The Taxgirl: Liens & Indictments

Taxpayer asks:

First, what is the next step after a Lien has been placed on someone and second is there somewhere that you can see if someone is being indicted?

Thank you in advance..

Taxgirl says:

Your question is really two separate questions, so I’ll answer them separately.

With respect to a tax lien, I’m assuming that the “someone” is someone else? If so, there’s nothing that you can do about that: it’s between the IRS and the taxpayer. But if you’re the “someone”, the quick answer is that the lien hangs around until you resolve your outstanding tax obligation.

As to an indictment, a federal indictment is usually a matter of public record (assuming it’s not sealed). If it’s a big enough fish, the Department of Justice will make an announcement like this one. And if it’s of public interest, it will usually make it into the press. Of course, if it’s you, you’ll know soon enough (indictments rarely sneak up on you).