Articles by Alvin Brown
Tax Preparation
Offer In Compromise
State Offers in Compromise
Levy
IRS Tax Liens
IRS Tax Liens - continued
IRS Tax Liens - continued 2
Levy - continued
Audit Techniques Guide
Congressional Contacts
Criminal Investigation
D.O.J Criminal Tax Manual
Tax Litigation
Penalty
Installment Agreements
Statute of Limitations
Frivolous Tax Argument
Interest Abatement
IRS Misconduct
IRS Abuses
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Fraud Statutes
Bankruptcy
Tax Reform Legislation
Tax Shelters
Tax Court
Trust Fund Penalty
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Innocent Spouse Relief
Important Links
Tax Lien - IRS Lien - Lien Discharge Lien Appeals Lien Filing Requirements Lien Filing Requirements cont. Certificates - Claim for Damages Claim for Damages cont. Judicial/Nonjudicial Foreclosures Redemptions Lien Processing Internal Revenue Code 6321 State Law 6321 Internal Revenue Code 6322 Internal Revenue Code 6323 Internal Revenue Code 6324 Internal Revenue Code 6325 Internal Revenue Code 6326 Internal Revenue Code 6320 Internal Revenue Code 6327 Internal Revenue Code 6330 Certificate of Discharge from Tax Lien Certificate of Subordination of Tax Lien Lien Notice Requirements and Appeals Tax Lien Certificate 6325 Regulations Action to quiet title Burden of Proof Collateral Estoppel Discharge of Bankruptcy Effect of Partial Abatement Certificate of release of tax lien Certificate of Discharge Claim for Damages Choate Requirement - State Law Suit to Cancel Lien Certificate of Subordination Discharge Effect of Discharge 7425 Statute 7425 Regulations Judicial Sales Non-judicial Sales Notice of Sale Notice Requirement Period of Redemption p1 Period of Redemption p2 Redemption Payment Release of Right of Redemption Scope of Redemption After Foreclosure Result Foreclosure Sales 6320-Applicability of Statute 6321 - After Aquired Property p1 6321 - After Aquired Property p2 6321 - After Aquired Property p3 6321 - After Aquired Property p4 6321 - Applicability of Statute 6321 - Collection Due Process Hearings 6321 - Annuities 6321 - Bank Deposits p1 6321 - Bank Deposits p2 6321 - Bankruptcy p1 6321 - Bankruptcy p2 6321 - Bankruptcy p3 6321 - Bankruptcy p4 6321 - Bankruptcy p5 6321 - Bankruptcy p6 6321 - Conveyances to Related Parties p1 6321 - Conveyances to Related Parties p2 6321 - Conveyances to Related Parties p3 6321 - Conveyances to 3rd Parties p1 6321 - Conveyances to 3rd Parties p2 6321 - Conveyances to 3rd Parties p3 6321 - Conveyances to 3rd Parties p4 6321 - Community Property p1 6321 - Community Property p2 6321 - Community Property p3 6321 - Employee Pension Plans 6321 - Creation of Lien p1 6321 - Creation of Lien p2 6321 - Creation of Lien p3 6321 - Creation of Lien p4 6321 - Creation of Lien p5 6321 - Debts Owed to the Taxpayer p1 6321 - Debts Owed to the Taxpayer p2 6321 - Debts Owed to the Taxpayer p3 6321 - Debts Owed to the Taxpayer p4 6321 - Debts Owed to the Taxpayer p5 6321 - Debts Owed to the Taxpayer p6 6321 - Escrow Accounts 6321 - Foreign Property 6321 - Forfeited Property 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part1 p1 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part1 p2 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part1 p3 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part1 p4 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part1 p5 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part1 p6 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part1 p7 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part1 p8 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part1 p9 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part1 p10 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part1 p11 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part1 p12 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part2 p1 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part2 p2 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part2 p3 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part2 p4 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part2 p5 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part2 p6 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part3 p1 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part3 p2 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part3 p3 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part3 p4 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part3 p5 6321 - Fraudulent Conveyances Part3 p6 6321 - Funds on Deposit p1 6321 - Funds on Deposit p2 6321 - Funds on Deposit p1 6321 - Homesteaded Property p1 6321 - Homesteaded Property p2 6321 - Homesteaded Property p3 6321 - Insurance p1 6321 - Insurance p2 6321 - Insurance p3 6321 - Insurance p4 6321 - Licenses 2 - p1 6321 - Licenses 2 - p2 6321 - Licenses 2 - p3 6321 - Legal Obligations 6321 - Partnerships p1 6321 - Partnerships p2 6321 - Partnership Property 6321 - Other State Created Exemptions 6321 - Property Rights of 3rd Parties p1 6321 - Property Rights of 3rd Parties p2 6321 - Property Rights of 3rd Parties p3 6321 - Prior Law p1 6321 - Prior Law p2 6321 - Property rights of a nondeclared spouse p1 6321 - Property rights of a nondeclared spouse p2 6321 - Property rights of a nondeclared spouse p3 6321 - Property rights of a nondeclared spouse p4 6321 - Property Seized During Arrest 6321 - Stolen Property 6321 - Rent 6321 - Stock Certificates 6321-Unperfected interests p1 6321-Unperfected interests p2 6321-Unperfected interests p3 6321-Unperfected interests p4 6321-Unperfected interests p5 6321-Tangible property in the taxpayer's possession 6321-Trusts for third parties p1 6321-Trusts for third parties p2 6321-Trusts p1 6321-Trusts p2 6321-Trusts p3 6321-Trusts p4 6321-Trusts p5 6321-Trusts p6 6321-Trusts p7 6321-Property transferred during divorce (2) p1 6321-Property transferred during divorce (2) p2 6321-Real property p1 6321-Real property p2 6321-Real property p3 6321-Real property p4 6321-Real property p5 6321-Real property p6 6321-Real property p7 6321-Real property p8 6321-Relinquishments and disclaimers 6332 - Annotations- Exclusiveness of Remedy 6332 - Annotations- Evidence of Debts 6332 - Annotations- Garnishment 6332 - Annotations- Levy and Demand 6332 - Annotations- Insurance Policy 1 p1 6332 - Annotations- Insurance Policy 1 p2 6332 - Annotations- Insurance Policy 1 p3 6332 - Annotations- Insurance Policy 2 6332 - Annotations- Interest and Penalties 6332 - Annotations- Leasehold Interest Taxpayer's Property in Possession of Thrid Party p1 Taxpayer's Property in Possession of Thrid Party p2 Taxpayer's Property in Possession of Thrid Party p3 6322-Constitutionality 6322-Limitations p1 6322-Limitations p2 6322-Prior law 6322-Relation-back doctrine 6322-Release of liens 6322-State law 6322-Waiver 6322 - Nevada
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Lien Filing
Requirements

5.12.2
Lien Filing Requirements
5.12.2.1
(03-01-2004)
Creation and Duration
- A
Federal Tax Lien (FTL) is created by
statute and attaches to a taxpayer's
property and rights to property for the
amount of the liability. This is the
"statutory" or "silent" FTL.
Requirements for creating a FTL are
contained in IRC 6321. The following
must happen:
-
An
assessment must have been made.
-
A
demand for payment must have
been made.
-
The
taxpayer must have neglected or
refused to pay within 10 days of
notification.
- The FTL
will continue until the liability is
satisfied or becomes unenforceable by
lapse of time or a bond is accepted in
the amount of the liability.
5.12.2.2
(03-01-2004)
Estate and Gift Tax
- Estate
and Gift Tax Liens are discussed in IRM
5.5, Insolvency/Decedent Estate, Estate
Taxes Collecting Handbook.
- To file
a notice of the estate tax lien, Form
668(J) or Form 668(H) must be manually
prepared.
-
Manually post estate tax lien recording
fees if applicable. These fees may be
different than those fees used for
recording Form 668(Y)(c).
5.12.2.3
(03-01-2004)
Lien Priorities
- The
Federal Tax Lien (FTL) is not valid
against purchasers, holders of security
interests, mechanics lienors, and
judgment lien creditors until a Notice
of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) has been
filed. The filing of the NFTL notifies
creditors that the FTL exists. The FTL
becomes valid against those creditors
discussed above at the time the NFTL is
filed. Refer to IRC 6321. Exceptions
exist for ten "superpriorities."
-
Securities
-
Motor Vehicles
-
Retail purchases
-
Casual sales
-
Possessory liens
-
Real property tax and special
assessment liens
-
Small repairs and improvements
of residential real property.
-
Attorney liens
-
Certain insurance contracts
-
Deposit secured loans
- These
priorities are fully defined in the IRM,
5.17, Legal Reference Guide (LRG) for
Revenue Officers.
-
Purchase money security interests and
purchase money mortgages have priority
over a previously filed NFTL, if
protected under local law. (Refer to
Rev. Rul. 68-57).
5.12.2.4
(03-01-2004)
Priority of Certain Other Interests
-
Advances made after or property coming
into existence after the NFTL is filed
have priority if granted by local law.
Protection under local law must be the
same that is provided against a judgment
lien creditor at the time the NFTL is
filed.
- The
priority position of unrecorded
instruments, particularly mortgages,
should be governed by local law. See IRM
5.17.2.5
- Home
Equity Line of Credit - it is advisable
to investigate the facts of the case to
determine how the funds were used in
order to determine the priority of the
FTL. If the funds are drawn after the
NFTL is filed, determine if the
mortgage/lender has a security interest
in the real property. Verify the amount
of money or money's worth that changed
hands. Determine if:
-
The
entire amount was turned over to
the taxpayer;
-
The
taxpayer is allowed to draw
against the funds as he wants;
-
A
specific amount was approved;
-
The
taxpayer paid down the amount
owed.
5.12.2.4.1 (03-01-2004)
45-Day Disbursement Period
- The
law provides priority generally with
respect to security interests in
property held before the notice of
lien filing which arose as a result
of disbursements made prior to the
46th day after the filing of a tax
lien, unless actual notice or
knowledge of the filing is obtained
sooner. However, for the priority to
exist in such cases, certain
conditions must be met. See IRM
5.17.2.5.3.4.
5.12.2.4.2 (03-01-2004)
Priority of Interest and
Expenses
-
Interest and certain expenses have
the same priority as the related
lien or security interest. See IRC
6323(e) and IRM 5.17.2.5.4
5.12.2.5
(03-01-2004)
Considerations Before Filing
- The
government's interest must be protected.
-
Consider all aspects of the taxpayer's
circumstances before deciding to file a
NFTL.
-
Exercise judgment in deciding whether a
NFTL should be filed.
5.12.2.6
(03-01-2004)
Filing Outside the U.S.
- No
collection activity can be taken against
property located outside the U.S., its
territories or possessions, without an
agreement or treaty with the situs
country.
5.12.2.7
(03-01-2004)
Taxpayer Contact
- Make
reasonable efforts, before filing the
NFTL to contact the taxpayer to advise
that a NFTL may be filed if payment is
not made.
- Contact
may be made by:
-
telephone
-
delivered in person
-
mailing a notice or letter to
the last known address.
- Give
the taxpayer an opportunity to make
payment or other security arrangements.
Explain the effects of the NFTL filing
on normal business operations or their
credit rating.
- Certain
restrictions have been placed on the
Service regarding contact with
taxpayers. See IRC 6304, Fair Tax
Collection Practices.
- If the
taxpayer disagrees with the proposed
lien filing, advise the taxpayer of the
right to appeal. Discuss both the
Collection Appeals Program (CAP) and the
Collection Due Process (CDP) under IRC
6320. See IRM 5.12.1
5.12.2.8
(03-01-2004)
Notice of Federal Tax Lien
Determination
- The
employee assigned the balance due case
is responsible for safeguarding the
government's interest. There are no
rules to meet all Notice of Federal Tax
Lien (NFTL) filing situations.
- Persons
assigned balance due cases must exercise
judgment in deciding whether or not a
NFTL should be filed.
5.12.2.8.1 (03-01-2004)
Criteria for Filing a NFTL
- A
NFTL filing determination must be
made on all assigned cases including
reactivated balance due cases within
established time frames. The request
for lien filing or the appropriate
non-filing documentation must be
prepared within 10 calendar days of
personal contact.
- If
contact cannot be made within the
established time frame, a filing
determination must be made within 10
calendar days after that time frame.
See IRM 5.1, General Handbook, for
established time frames. When
possible, employees should verbally
advise the taxpayer of the NFTL
filing.
-
When extending the lien filing
determination time frame, thoroughly
document the reason and establish a
follow-up date.
- In
general, a NFTL should be filed in
the following situations:
Note:
Even though there is no
mandatory NFTL filing
requirement prior to service of
a Notice of Levy, before levying
the Service should consider, for
purposes of lien priority,
filing a NFTL.
-
With the group manager's approval,
liens may be filed on low dollar
accounts, i.e., those below $5000.
Managers should document their
approval in the case history.
-
Accrued interest and penalties added
to tax should be collected during
the limitation period for collecting
the tax. This limitation period does
not apply to bad checks, fraud
penalty or certain other penalties
that carry a separate collection
statute expiration date.
5.12.2.8.2 (03-01-2004)
Criteria for Not Filing the NFTL
- In
general, if the taxpayer meets one
of the criteria below, a NFTL should
not be filed. However, a NFTL may be
filed when, in the judgment of the
revenue officer, it is in the best
interest of the government to record
the lien.
-
The aggregate unpaid balance
of assessment is less than
$5000. Group manager
approval is required if a
lien is to be filed.
-
A NFTL is already filed, but
a subsequent assessment has
been made for less than
$5000. Group manager
approval is required if a
lien is to be filed.
-
The taxpayer is a defunct
corporation whose assets
have been previously
liquidated. The case history
must be documented with this
information.
-
The taxpayer is deceased and
there are no known assess in
an estate. The case history
must be documented with this
information.
-
The taxpayer resides abroad
and has no known assets in
the United States. The case
history must be documented
with this information.
-
Liens should not be filed in the
following circumstances. The case
history must be documented that the
taxpayer meets the following
criteria.
-
The taxpayer is a corporate
entity that has gone through
a liquidating bankruptcy or
receivership regardless of
dollar amount. Document the
proceeding number in the
case history.
-
Against a non-paying officer
when an adjustment to the
Trust Fund Recovery Penalty
is pending because the
assessment has been paid by
more than one officer.
-
There is an indication that
the liability has been
satisfied or that credits
are available to satisfy the
liability.
-
The taxpayer is a financial
institution under control of
the Resolution Trust
Corporation (RTC). See the
section on "Withdrawal of
Filed Notice of Federal Tax
Lien" if a NFTL has been
filed.
-
The taxpayer is in
bankruptcy and the NFTL
relates to liabilities
incurred before the taxpayer
filed for bankruptcy.
Section 362(a) of the
Bankruptcy Code imposes an
automatic stay that
prohibits all creditors from
taking certain collection
actions against debtors in
bankruptcy. A NFTL may be
filed once the stay is
lifted. In some
circumstances, a NFTL may be
filed for liabilities
incurred after the taxpayer
filed for bankruptcy.
Consult Counsel to determine
if a NFTL may be filed.
-
Because there is no rule to fit all
situations, a decision may be made
to delay filing or refrain from
filing a NFTL when, in the revenue
officer's judgment, filing will
hamper collection, is not proper
because there is genuine doubt as to
the validity of the liability, or
when information forthcoming could
lead to a determination of either of
the above. For example, a taxpayer
may be able to secure short-term
financing in order to pay the
liability, but only if the lender
can be assured priority over the
Service. The NFTL may threaten
sources of funding, lead to breached
financing statements, prohibit a
non-profit from accessing a grant,
or reduce a non-profit's ability to
get donations. Revenue officers
should balance these concerns
against the likelihood the tax can
be collected in full without filing
a NFTL.
-
Taxpayers commonly request relief
from filing the NFTL because they
fear the lien may lower their credit
rating. A lowered credit rating is a
natural consequence of failure to
pay financial obligations timely,
and in and of itself is not
sufficient reason to withhold filing
the NFTL. The revenue officer must
consider whether the resultant
lowered credit rating would be
likely to hamper the taxpayer's
ability to pay the tax liability.
For example, in some cases filing a
NFTL may cause the taxpayer to
default secured financing agreements
with other creditors and result in
the loss of revenue needed to pay
the tax.
- A
decision not to file a NFTL must be
supported by a history entry that
clearly states why filing a NFTL is
not proper, except if the taxpayer
meets one of the criteria set forth
in paragraph (1)(a) and (1)(b). The
history must also contain a
follow-up date by which the revenue
officer will receive information
needed or by which a NFTL will be
filed. A recommendation for
non-filing should be re-evaluated
upon receipt of another balance due
return or additional assessment, or
when a taxpayer fails to met a
specified deadline.
- The
revenue officer will withhold filing
the NFTL if the taxpayer has entered
into a collateral agreement with the
Service as provided in IRM 5.6.
Revenue officers should document
their case files and consult with
Technical Services to ensure legal
sufficiency.
- A
taxpayer may submit a faxed request
for non-filing of the NFTL if the
revenue officer has made contact
with the taxpayer by phone or in
person. The revenue officer should
document the case history with the
date of contact and note that the
taxpayer wishes to send the request
by fax.
5.12.2.9
(03-01-2004)
Preparing the NFTL
- The
correct and timely preparation of the
NFTL is the responsibility of the person
assigned the balance due. All NFTLs must
be filed through the Automated Lien
System (ALS) unless there is an expedite
situation.
-
Multiple assessments against the same
taxpayer may be included on one Form
668(Y)(c)
- Where a
partnership is the taxpayer and
employment taxes are involved, the NFTL
should be prepared showing the words "a
partnership " after the partnership name
and list the names of known general
partners, e.g.,
-
XYZ, a partnership
-
A,
a partner
-
B,
a partner
-
C,
a partner
Note:
When
a general partner is listed on the
NFTL, a copy of L3172 must be
provided. See IRM 5.12.1.
- File a
NFTL in the jurisdiction where each
general partner resides as well as where
the partnership is located. When the
place of filing changes, file a separate
NFTL, i.e., file two NFTLs if the
partnership and one of the general
partners lives in a different
jurisdiction, etc. Provide multiple
address information, if appropriate.
- The
NFTL should be prepared showing the
words "a corporation " after the
corporate name, e.g., XYZ, Inc., a
corporation.
- Revenue
officers at the GS-9 level and above
have the authority to sign Form
668(Y)(c). The employee's name and
identification number should be typed in
the lower portion of the space for
his/her signature and the title inserted
in the appropriate block. The signature
may be performed manually or by
facsimile method. In the latter case,
the employee whose signature appears on
the form is responsible for its
execution.
- Use the
period when beginning (07-01-92) rather
than the ending date (06-30-93) when
preparing a NFTL for a Form 2290, Heavy
Vehicle Use Tax Return. This is very
important when there is more than one
period for a specific TIN. The period
beginnings must be used to separate each
assessment to ensure that we receive the
module satisfaction indicator from the
masterfile when each module is
satisfied.
5.12.2.9.1 (03-01-2004)
Use of Trade Names
- The
abbreviation 'd/b/a' for 'doing
business as' should be used only
when an individual is actually doing
business as a sole proprietor under
a trade name, i.e., Edwin E. Kelly
d/b/a Kelly's Garage. The
abbreviation should never be used in
a partnership situation.
- The
same degree of care should be
exercised when using the
abbreviation 't/a' for 'trading as'.
This is used where a corporate or
partnership entity operates under a
trade name other than the corporate
or partnership name, e.g., Werk
Hard, Inc., t/a The Diggers.
5.12.2.9.2 (03-01-2004)
Name Changes
-
Taxpayers may change names after the
NFTL has been filed. To avoid
disputes over lien priority in
subsequently acquired assets, file
another NFTL reflecting the name or
alias.
-
Place the new name on the
first line.
-
Place the previous name on
the second name line,
preceded by either 'aka' for
'formerly known as'.
- Add
the following statement to reference
the original NFTL:
This Notice of
Federal Tax Lien is filed to modify
Notice of Federal Tax Lien number
(serial number), recorded (date), in
Book ___, Page ___,by
reflecting a new or proper name.
- Use
this procedure when the taxpayer's
name has been misspelled. See IRM
5.17, Legal Reference Guide for
Revenue Officers for guidelines on
errors that make a NFTL defective.
-
With the advent of the DIAL
interface, amended or corrected
NFTLs should be rare. Amended or
corrected NFTLs could affect the
priority of the original NFTL.
5.12.2.9.3 (03-01-2004)
Special NFTL Conditions
-
Revenue Officers may encounter
situations where the taxpayer has
transferred property and
circumstances indicate actual or
constructive fraud. Property may
have been acquired in the name of
another person or entity and the
taxpayer controls the property to
such an extent that the title holder
is possessed of 'color of title'.
This may result in an administrative
transferee assessment, suit to
assert a transferee liability, or a
suit to set aside a fraudulent
conveyance.
-
Persons determined to be nominees or
alter-egos are not entitled to
collection due process appeal
rights. The taxpayer against whose
liabilities the nominee liens were
filed is entitled CDP rights. You
must issue L3177 and related
publications after a lien has been
filed. See IRM 5.12.1 for more
information.
5.12.2.9.4 (03-01-2004)
Nominee Liens
- A
nominee is someone designated to act
for another. As used in the federal
tax lien context, a nominee is
generally a third party individual
who holds legal title to property of
a taxpayer while the taxpayer enjoys
full use and benefit of that
property. The FTL extends to
property actually owned by the
taxpayer even though a third party
holds legal title. The third party
can either be an individual or a
trust.
- A
nominee situation normally involves
a fraudulent conveyance or transfer
of a taxpayer's property to avoid
legal obligations. To establish a
nominee lien situation, it must be
shown that while a third party may
have legal title to the property, it
is the taxpayer that owns the
property and who enjoys the full use
and benefits.
-
Request Area Counsel advice before
filing a nominee lien. Consider the
following circumstances when
developing your case:
-
the taxpayer is paying
maintenance expenses,
-
the taxpayer is using the
property as collateral for
loans,
-
the taxpayer is paying state
and local taxes on the
property,
-
other use or benefit from
the property
-
other relevant facts.
- You
may not file a nominee lien without
the written approval of Area
Counsel.
-
Cases should be developed to
withstand court challenge
(with minimal additional
development).
-
Focus should be for advice
as to the need for a
supplemental assessment, a
new notice and demand and
the language to be
incorporated in the NFTL.
-
Prepare a report containing
all of the facts of the case
to accompany the request.
-
Request Area Counsel
direction regarding
enforcement of the lien.
-
Subsequent enforcement action is at
the Area Office's discretion once
Area Counsel has approved
application of the nominee theory.
- In
determining what additional
enforcement action should be taken,
consideration must be given to the
confusion in the chain of title and
redemption rights of the taxpayer.
These conditions may depress the
sale of the property.
- A
judicial lien foreclosure or seizure
followed by suit to foreclose the
NFTL will generally bring a greater
sale price particularly for real
property.
- The
administrative seizure and sale
process may be used if prompt action
is needed to protect the
government's interest. If there is
any doubt, request an opinion from
Area Counsel.
- See
IRM 5.17.2 for additional
information.
5.12.2.9.5 (03-01-2004)
Alter-Ego Liens
- The
"'alter-ego'" (second self) doctrine
has been summarized as follows: The
obligation of a corporation will be
recognized as those of another
person, and vice versa, where it
appears that the corporation is not
only influenced and governed by that
person, but there is such a unity of
interest and ownership that the
individuality or separateness, of
the person and the corporation has
ceased. Also the facts are such that
an adherence to the fiction of the
separate existence of the
corporation would, under the
particular circumstances, sanction a
fraud or promote an injustice.
Note:
It is generally more difficult
to establish alter-ego
relationships than a nominee
situation.
-
There are two elements to the alter
ego doctrine:
-
Unity of ownership and
interest,
-
Fraud or inequity would
result from the failure to
disregard the corporate
entity.
-
There is no exact formula as to when
the doctrine can be applied. Some
factors pertinent to a determination
to disregard the corporate entity
are:
-
commingling of funds and
other assets,
-
failure to segregate funds
of the separate entities,
-
an unauthorized diversion of
corporate funds or assets to
other than corporate uses,
-
treatment by an individual
of the assets of the
corporation as his own,
-
failure to obtain authority
to issue stock or to
subscribe to or issue the
same,
-
holding out by an individual
that he or she is personally
liable for the debts of the
corporation,
-
failure to maintain minutes
or adequate corporate
records, and the confusion
of records of separate
entities,
-
the identical equitable
ownership in two entities,
-
the failure to adequately
capitalize a corporation,
the total absence of
corporate assets, and under
capitalization,
-
Explore the possibility of using the
administrative process of jeopardy
transferee assessment, nominee lien,
emergency lien foreclosure action or
emergency transferee or fraudulent
conveyance suit before filing a NFTL
in the name of an alter-ego.
- Do
not file a NFTL in the name of an
alter-ego without legal review,
advice, and written direction from
Area Counsel as to:
-
the need for a supplemental
assessment,
-
a new notice and demand, and
-
the language to be
incorporated in the NFTL.
-
Refer to the Legal Reference Guide,
5.17.2.4, for additional
information.
5.12.2.9.6 (03-01-2004)
Partnership
-
Partners are individually liable for
partnership debts, and separate
assessments against them are not
essential to sustain their
individual liability. The separate
liability of the partners is not an
issue unless the partnership
neglects or fails to pay the
assessed liability. See IRC 6332 and
6303.
-
Partnerships normally have one
employer identification number (EIN).
- A
supplemental assessment will not be
required when adding an individual
partner's name to the partnership
assessment. The Service will rely on
the proposition that the assessment
against the partnership creates a
FTL against each individual partner.
5.12.2.9.7 (03-01-2004)
Transferee Liens
-
There are two methods the government
can use to collect an unpaid tax
liability where a taxpayer (the
transferrer) has transferred
property to a third party (the
transferee) prior to or after the
assessment of the tax. Collection of
the tax is based on finding that the
transfer was a fraudulent
conveyance. However, liability may
arise under contract, various
federal liability statutes or state
statutes governing bulk sales,
corporate dissolutions, and
corporate reorganizations.
-
The first method, a suit to
set aside a fraudulent
conveyance, the government
collects the transferrers
tax from the transferred
property. This is done by
the U.S. asking a U.S.
District Court to make
certain findings in a civil
law suit. See IRM 5.17.14.
-
The second method is
administratively imposing
transferee liability, which
results in the imposition of
personal liability for a tax
on a third party. The
liability is then collected
from the third party's
property. To do this, the
Commissioner mails a notice
of transferee liability to
the transferee, then, if a
tax court petition is not
filed or the liability is
sustained by the Tax Court,
assesses the tax against the
transferee under the
authority of IRC 6901.
-
Once the assessment is made,
a notice of demand and
payment is issued, and if
the transferee does not pay,
a NFTL may be issued.
- You
will find many of the same issues in
transferee situations that are found
in nominee and alter-ego situations.
Refer to IRM 5.17.14 for additional
information on fraudulent
conveyances and transferee
liability.
-
Contact local Counsel for written
authorization before issuing a
transferee lien.
5.12.2.9.8 (03-01-2004)
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
-
When filing an NFTL on a single
member owner disregarded LLC entity,
only the name of the single member
owner should appear on the lien
document. Do not include the name of
the disregarded LLC. Such action
would indicate to a potential
creditor that the government has
perfected a lien interest in the
assets of the LLC. Including the
name of the LLC would create a
situation parallel to a "doing
business as" or "trading as"
secondary name line.
-
When a NFTL is filed in the name of
the disregarded LLC, file a new NFTL
in the name of the single member
owner.
-
Withdraw the previously filed NFTL
where the name of the disregarded
entity was used.
-
Do not release a previously
filed NFTL filed in the name
of the disregarded entity.
This action would extinguish
the underlying statutory
lien.
-
Filing under the correct
name will not preserve the
priority of the NFTL filed
under the name of the
disregarded LLC.
- The
EIN used in the assessment should be
used for the lien, despite the
resulting mismatch between the
entity name and the EIN, to ensure
systemic notifications for the lien
release in the Automated Lien
system.
- The
entity type for the single member
owner will dictate where the NFTL is
filed with regard to the recording
official specified in a state's
version of the Uniform Federal Lien
Registration Act.
5.12.2.9.9 (03-01-2004)
Correcting Lien Notices
-
Some errors, such as an incorrect
name, will make the NFTL invalid
while other errors such as TIN, MFT
and period will prevent the module
satisfaction notification from
posting.
-
Incorrect NFTLs must be linked to
corrected NFTLs and/or corrected
information.
-
Module satisfaction notification
must be associated with correct
TIN/name control and MFT/period and
tied back to the incorrect NFTL so
that the Certificate of Release can
be generated for BOTH the correct
and incorrect notice upon
satisfaction or expiration. A
"dummy" lien is prepared by the ALS
Unit to do this.
-
Guidance is provided in IRM 5.17,
Legal Reference Guide, regarding
errors in the taxpayer's name as it
appears on the notice.
5.12.2.9.10 (03-01-2004)
Other Types of Errors
-
Listed below is a chart that
explains how to correct other types
of errors.
Note:
Add this statement to an amended
NFTL.THIS
NOTICE OF FEDERAL TAX LIEN IS
FILED TO CORRECT(insert
what is being corrected, i.e.,
tax period, assessment date, MFT,
minor misspelling)
ON THE
ORIGINAL LIEN RECORDED
(insert date of filing)
AS
RECORDING NUMBER
(insert recorder's number).
ALL OTHER
INFORMATION ON THE ORIGINAL
NOTICE FILED IS CORRECT AND THAT
INSTRUMENT REMAINS IN FULL FORCE
AND EFFECT.
-
Type AMENDED LIEN at the top of your
NFTL to draw attention to the
purpose of the additional lien
filing.
5.12.2.10
(03-01-2004)
Place for Filing of Notice of
Federal Tax Lien
- A NFTL
encumbers motor vehicles, airplanes and
vessels in the same manner as other
personal property when a NFTL is filed
in the recording office designated by
state law as the residence of the
taxpayer.
- Do not
file Form 668(Y)(c) with Departments of
Vehicles, FAA, or the U.S. Coast Guard
or similar agencies. (See IRC
6323(f)(5)).
- Under
state laws:
-
Real Property - file in one
office within the state (or
county, or other governmental
subdivision), as designated by
the laws of the state, where the
property is located. See Section
1.15 and IRC 6323(f)(1)(A)(ii).
-
Personal Property - whether
tangible or intangible, file in
one office designated by the
laws of the state, where the
property is located (located at
the residence of the taxpayer at
the time the NFTL is filed). See
IRC 6323(f)(1)(A)(ii).
- With
clerk of district court - File in the
office of the clerk of the United States
district court for the judicial district
where the property subject to the FTL is
located, whenever the State has not by
law designated one office which meets
the requirements of (1) above; or
- With
the recorder of deeds of the District of
Columbia - File in the office of the
Recorder of Deeds of the District of
Columbia, if the property subject to the
lien is situated in the District of
Columbia.
5.12.2.10.1 (03-01-2004)
Notice of Claim - Documented
Vessels
- A
documented vessel:
-
at a minimum weighs over 5
tons
-
is used for commercial
purposes, and
-
is owned by a United States
citizen.
-
These vessels are registered with
the U. S. Coast Guard under the
vessels name rather than the name of
the owner.
5.12.2.10.2 (03-01-2004)
Documented Vessel Abstract
- An
abstract obtained from the National
Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC)
will provide the:
-
history of the vessel,
-
bill of sale,
-
Maritime liens,
-
satisfaction of mortgage
-
assignments and amendments
on file.
- A
payment of $25 (money order only)
must accompany each request for an
abstract that is obtained from the
National Vessel Documentation Center
(NVDC).
-
Prepare a letter or fax to NVDC with
the following information:
-
official number of the
vessel, if known,
-
Service employee's name and
telephone number,
-
location where the abstract
should be sent,
-
owner's name, hull number
and name of vessel.
- If
requesting an abstract via fax or by
telephone, contact the NVDC at (800)
799-8362 to obtain payment
instructions.
-
Written requests should be sent to
National Vessel Documentation
Center, 2039 Stonewall Jackson
Drive, Falling Waters, West Virginia
25419-9502.
5.12.2.10.3 (03-01-2004)
Notice of Claim
- In
order for a NFTL to be effective on
taxpayers who own documented
vessels, a Notice of Claim (Exhibit
5.12.1-1) must be filed with the
U.S. Coast Guard with a copy of the
Notice of Federal Tax Lien attached.
-
Filing a Notice of Claim assures
that the documented vessel can be
tied to the owner and that the
vessel cannot be transferred out
from under the NFTL.
Note:
A Notice of Claim can be filed
ONLY if a preferred mortgage
exists on the vessel. The NFTL
does not constitute a preferred
mortgage. An example of a
preferred mortgage is the
financial institution holding
title to the vessel.
- The
Notice of Federal Tax Lien must be
filed in accordance with IRC 6323(f)
even though you are filing a Notice
of Claim.
-
Prepare the Satisfaction of Mortgage
document (Exhibit 5.12.2-2) when the
liability is satisfied.
-
Forward the notarized document to
the U.S. Coast Guard where the
Notice of Claim was filed.
5.12.2.11
(03-01-2004)
Liens Filed in Other Areas
- A NFTL
may be filed in any Internal Revenue
area, regardless of where the assessment
is outstanding. Form 2209, Courtesy
Investigation, should be prepared to
request an out-of-area NFTL filing and
can be faxed. The receiving area will
prepare and file form 668(Y) through ALS.
A TC 582 will be automatically
generated.
- Form
2209 will contain sufficient information
to enable the receiving area to properly
prepare the NFTL and determine the
proper place of filing. The Form 2209
must also indicate whether the NFTL is
to reach real or personal property or
both. This is necessary as the recording
official may be different in certain
states.
- After
recording, the receiving office should
input the recording data onto their
database and transmit Part 2 of the NFTL
with the recording data to the
originating office.
- The
Form 2209 and Part 2 of the Form 668(Y)
will be associated with the related
balance due file.
- Use ALS
to file these liens, whenever possible.
The employee identification information
of the requesting employee will be shown
on the NFTL and the collection due
process notice. The NFTL will be printed
in the receiving area office while the
collection due process notice will be
printed in the originating area office.
- Once
modules are satisfied, a module
satisfied notice will be generated to
each area that previously requested a TC
582. A systemic release will be
generated automatically and forwarded to
the proper recording office.
5.12.2.12
(03-01-2004)
Filing the NFTL by Mail
- Arrange
with local officials for the acceptance
(for filing) of NFTL by mail. If
necessary, have a transmittal accompany
Parts 1 and 2 of the NFTL, Form 3915,
Processing Notices and Releases of
Federal Tax Lien and Other Related
Certificates. A self-addressed postage
paid envelope, E-25C, will be enclosed
for the return of Part 2.
- If
arrangements cannot be made with local
officials to accept NFTL filing by mail
or circumstances dictate immediate
action, the NFTL should be delivered
personally to the proper recording
official.
-
Receipted copies will be returned to
Case Processing.
5.12.2.13
(03-01-2004)
Distributing the NFTL
- The
Form 668Y(c), Notice of Federal Tax
Lien, is a multi-part form. Distribute
the form in the following manner:
-
Mail Parts 1 and 2 to the
recording office. If manually
prepared, retain a copy in the
case file prior to mailing.
-
Part 2 will be returned by the
recording office with the
appropriate recording
information documented.
-
Mail Part 3 to the taxpayer.
(Effective 1/19/1999, taxpayer
copies of the NFTL are sent
certified mail with the
collection due process notice.
5.12.2.14
(03-01-2004)
Mutual Collection Assistance
Requests (MCAR)
- Certain
tax treaties have clauses where our
treaty partners can request assistance
from the Service to collect taxes owed
them by individuals residing in the
United States. The mutual collection
treaty partners are France, Sweden,
Denmark, Canada and the Netherlands.
- All
MCARs from the treaty partners are
received and processed by the Director,
Small Business/Self Employed, Area 15
(International) Territory.
- The
Service can take distraint action
against U.S. assets to collect these
foreign taxes. To do this, it may be
necessary to file a Notice of Federal
Tax Lien.
5.12.2.14.1 (03-01-2004)
Preparation of MCARs on Form
668(Y)
- The
area office will process all MCARs
lien requests as follows:
-
Use the format shown in
Exhibit 5.12.1-3 as a guide
to prepare Form 668(Y),
Notice of Federal Tax Lien.
The information needed to
complete Form 668(Y) is
provided with the MCAR
investigation sent to the
area office.
-
Contact International to
secure the serial number for
the NFTL. Do not use any
other number except the
serial number provided by
International.
-
Use the Taxpayer Control
Number (TCN) assigned to the
MCAR assessment by
International as the
identifying number on Form
668(Y), if the taxpayer
identification number (TIN)
is not known.
-
Use the Last Day for
Refiling collection statute
date provided by the treaty
partner.
- The
NFTL will be filed in the
appropriate recording office. Return
a copy of the NFTL to International.
- Do
not request input of TC 582 or TC
360 for the NFTL filing fee. NFTL
fees are not assessed against MCAR
taxpayers.
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