The IRS filed a lien. Here's how to unwind it.
A federal tax lien affects your credit, blocks home sales, complicates refinancing, and follows you until it's addressed. Most people don't know there are four ways to remove it. An in-house Enrolled Agent at Rockwater Tax will find the fastest path for your situation.
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In-house Enrolled Agents
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There are 4 ways to remove a tax lien. Most people don't know this.
The IRS gives taxpayers multiple paths to address a federal tax lien. Which one fits depends on your goals: clean the record entirely, sell a property, refinance a mortgage, or just resolve the underlying debt.
An in-house Enrolled Agent identifies the right path for your situation and files the paperwork. Usually within weeks, not months.
Book your free 30-minute call →It's more than a credit issue. It touches everything.
A federal tax lien is a legal claim against everything you own and everything you might acquire while it's in place. Here's what that means in real life.
Here's what most people don't realize.
A tax lien is separate from a tax levy. The lien is the legal claim. The levy is the actual seizure. Liens don't take your money directly, but they block you from making moves. Ignored long enough, they lead to levies.
The good news: lien removal doesn't require paying the debt in full. Withdrawal, discharge, and subordination all have paths that don't require full payment. The right in-house Enrolled Agent finds the shortest path.
You've probably been called by everyone.
We know.
Federal tax liens are public record. Once yours was filed, national tax relief chains started calling. Aggressive pitches. Big promises. "We can wipe your lien in weeks." Some just keep calling.
Here is what nobody told you: only Enrolled Agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys are federally licensed to represent you before the IRS. Many national chains that reach out subcontract the actual case work after you sign. You never talk to the same person twice.
Rockwater is different. Two things separate us from every competitor:
In-House Enrolled Agents. Not Contractors.
Every Rockwater case is handled by a licensed Enrolled Agent who works here, sits at our office, and is on our team. Not outsourced. Not subcontracted. Your dedicated Account Executive stays with you from first call through resolution, and your in-house EA takes over the case work once you engage.
24/7 Live Case Monitoring via TaxRock.
Our proprietary IRS monitoring platform gives you the same real-time view of your case as your tax team. Status, IRS activity, alerts, documentation, all in one place, live. Built and owned by Rockwater.
A clear process. A dedicated team.
From your first 30-minute call to a filed removal, here is exactly what happens when you engage Rockwater.
Book a Free 30-Minute Call
Your first call is with a dedicated Account Executive who reviews your lien, your goals (sale, refi, credit repair, resolution), and where you stand. Free. No obligation.
We Pull IRS Records + Verify the Lien
With your authorization, we file Form 2848 and pull your IRS account transcripts to verify the lien is valid, correctly filed, and identify what removal paths you qualify for.
We Choose the Right Removal Path
Your in-house Enrolled Agent picks the fastest option: Release, Withdrawal, Discharge, or Subordination. Based on your finances, timeline, and what you're trying to accomplish.
We File and Follow Through
We prepare and submit the paperwork (Form 12277, 14135, 14134, or 668Z), track it with the IRS, and stay on it until removed. Real-time updates through TaxRock.
Which one fits your case?
The right path depends on what you're trying to do. Your in-house Enrolled Agent picks based on your finances, timeline, and goals.
Release
The standard removal. Filed after the balance is paid, an Offer in Compromise is accepted, or the collection statute expires.
The IRS is required to release within 30 days.
Withdrawal
Removes the lien as if it never existed. Available under IRC 6323(j) when the taxpayer entered an installment agreement, withdrawal facilitates collection, or it is in the best interest of both parties.
Better than release for your public record.
Discharge
Removes the lien from one specific piece of property so a sale or transfer can close. Common in home sales.
Requires meeting IRS discharge criteria under IRC 6325(b).
Subordination
Doesn't remove the lien, but allows another creditor to take priority. Often necessary to qualify for a new mortgage or business loan.
Requires IRS approval and demonstration of benefit.
What our clients say.
Real reviews from real Google Business Profile clients.
"Working with Rockwater was an amazing experience. I would recommend them to anyone that needs help. A shiny star in what is known as an aggressive & intimidating industry. Easy to work with and they understand people as well as they understand taxes."
Nicholas N. · Google Reviews
"Trustworthy. Excellent customer service. Highly recommend. James and his team are great to work with and have helped me with my tax case. Trustworthy is how I would describe Rockwater in one word."
Deanna C. · Google Reviews
"Working with Nick and Weston from the Rockwater team, they were able to solve a few tax issues I had across state lines for a very reasonable price. I look forward to utilizing their services again next year!"
Kevin S. · Google Reviews
Common questions.
Honest answers about federal tax liens and how they get removed.
Speak with a tax expert today.
Free 30-minute consultation. No pressure. No obligation. Just an honest conversation about your lien and the fastest path to unwind it, with an in-house Enrolled Agent.
"Working with Rockwater was an amazing experience. A shiny star in what is known as an aggressive and intimidating industry. They understand people as well as they understand taxes."