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Tax Liens vs. Tax Levies

Video Transcript

You've heard of tax liens and tax levies, but do you know the crucial difference? Understanding these IRS actions is vital for protecting your assets. A tax lien is the government's legal claim against your property, like real estate, vehicles, and financial assets. When you fail to pay your tax debt, it secures the government's interest and can affect your ability to sell property or get credit. It's a claim, not a seizure. A tax levy, on the other hand, is the actual legal seizure of your property to satisfy a tax debt. This means the IRS can directly take money from your bank account, garnish your wages, or seize physical assets to sell them and pay off your debt. The main difference, a lien is a claim on your property, while a levy is the taking of your property. Levies usually happen after a lien has been filed and other attempts to collect have failed. If you're facing either, act fast. Contact the tax attorney to explore resolution options like payment plans or Offer in Compromise.

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This content was written and reviewed by the licensed tax attorneys at Victory Tax Lawyers, LLP. Our attorneys specialize in IRS tax relief and are licensed members of the California State Bar with a nationwide practice.

Last Reviewed: 2026  ·  Meet Our Attorneys →

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