California Tax Lien Help: Remove, Release, or Work Around a State Lien

A state tax lien puts the government’s claim ahead of yours. It can impact property, credit, borrowing, and even a sale or refinance. We step in to analyze the lien, confirm what’s driving it, and move toward removal or the best available workaround.

Liens are not limited to individual income tax. Businesses can face liens tied to sales and use tax (CDTFA) and payroll obligations (EDD).

Free, confidential case review → Talk to a licensed tax professional

California Tax Liens 101 (FTB vs. Federal)

Not all liens are the same. In California, the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) files state tax liens for income and franchise tax. The IRS files federal tax liens for federal balances. Both protect the government’s interest in your assets, but the rules and next steps vary. 

We pull records, confirm whether the lien is FTB or IRS, identify the recording details, balance drivers, and any filing gaps, and then advise on the fastest path to relief.

Common Effects of a Lien

Clouds title on real estate and can block or delay closings.
Can complicate refinancing or new credit
Signals risk to vendors and lenders until addressed.
If your balance includes interest and penalties, we review transcripts, penalties, and Collection Statute Expiration Dates (CSEDs) and map a debt resolution strategy alongside lien relief.

Your Options: Withdraw, Release, Discharge, Subordinate

Depending on your file and eligibility, a lien may be:

Withdrawn

The filing is removed from the public record in specific circumstances, often after meeting compliance and payment or approved relief criteria.

Released

Typically occurs after the debt is fully paid or otherwise resolved.

Discharged

Removes the lien from a specific property so a sale or transfer can proceed.

Subordinated

Allows another creditor, such as a mortgage lender, to take priority so you can refinance.

Our Attorneys, CPAs, and Enrolled Agents evaluate which route fits, then prepare and submit the documentation the agency requires. 

Short on time because of a pending sale or loan? Tell us your deadline for the review. We will target the relief most realistic for your timeline. Results depend on eligibility, documentation, and agency review.

If You’re a Business (Sales & Payroll Exposure)

Liens are not limited to individual income tax. Businesses can face liens tied to sales and use tax (CDTFA) and payroll obligations (EDD). 

We coordinate POS data, invoices, and accounts payable detail as needed, pull CDTFA and EDD records, and contact the agency after engagement to confirm status.

Our Process: Protection & Setup → Investigation & Strategy → Resolution & Compliance

Protection & Setup

After your free consultation and authorization, our Attorneys, CPAs, and Enrolled Agents pull IRS and FTB transcripts and the recorded lien documents, request a collection hold when available, and assign your primary point of contact.

Investigation & Strategy

After engagement and authorization, our licensed team contacts the IRS, FTB, CDTFA, or EDD to confirm balances, filing gaps, accruals, and lien status. We analyze penalties, interest, and Collection Statute Expiration Dates (CSEDs), then recommend withdrawal, release, discharge, or subordination. We outline documentation and lender or escrow requirements, gather proofs, and prepare agency forms and supporting exhibits. We provide a written, phase-based scope and timeline. If scope changes, we pause and obtain your authorization before proceeding.

Resolution & Compliance

We submit the withdrawal, release, discharge, or subordination request, then follow up with the agency and recording office until the records are updated. We provide copies for your files and map next steps, such as payment plan setup, penalty relief requests, and closing out filing gaps.

What to Gather

Recent FTB, IRS, CDTFA, or EDD notices and the lien recording.
Last filed returns, state and federal.
Proof of balance or payoff information, if available.
Property details for any pending refinance or sale.
Business items, if applicable: POS exports, invoices, and accounts payable or use tax detail.
Bring what you have. We will close any gaps.

Costs & Timing: What Drives Both

Fees and timelines depend on which agency filed the lien, how old the debt is, and the relief route we pursue. We provide a written scope before work begins and set a check-in cadence so you always know the next steps. No guaranteed outcomes. Rush Tax Resolution is a private firm, not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency.
Click to call: 855-IRS-CALL

FAQs (California-Specific)

Is a California State Tax Lien the Same as a Federal Tax Lien?

No. FTB files state liens, and the IRS files federal liens. The process and paperwork differ. We confirm the agency on your file and prepare the correct forms and documentation.

Can a State Tax Lien Be Removed?

Depending on the facts, a lien can be withdrawn, released, discharged, or subordinated. We determine which fits and assemble the request. Results depend on eligibility, documentation, and agency review.

Does Interest Stop While a Lien Is on My Account?

A lien secures the debt. Interest and penalties can continue until the balance is resolved. We verify balances from transcripts and recommend a path to resolution alongside lien relief.

Will a Payment Plan Help With the Lien?

Often, yes. Resolving the balance can lead to release. In some cases, we may use subordination to enable refinancing while you pay. We map the sequence in your plan.

Who Should I Call First?

Start with a free, confidential case review. With authorization, we pull transcripts in about 1 business day and contact the right agency on your behalf.

Why Choose Rush Tax Resolution

  • Licensed team: Enrolled Agents, CPAs, and Attorneys
  • Nationwide representation and an A+ BBB rating. Southern California offices in Los Angeles (HQ), Woodland Hills, and Newport Beach.
  • Free consultation and free IRS transcript review, typically within 1 business day after authorization. Same-day agency contact available after engagement when possible.
  • Transparent, phase-based scope and realistic expectations. No guaranteed outcomes. Private firm, not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency.

Get Help Now

Talk to a licensed tax professional
Free, confidential case review → Speak with a licensed professional today.

Disclaimer. After engagement and authorization, we contact the IRS or the state to address enforcement. Rush Tax Resolution is a private firm, not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency. No guaranteed outcomes. Results depend on eligibility, documentation, and agency review.
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