Homeowners/Clinton, SC/IRS Tax Lien

IRS & Federal Tax Lien in Clinton, SC

Homeowners in Clinton, SC with an IRS tax lien can still sell with proper planning. Find IRS offices, tax attorneys, and lien discharge procedures.

Local Clinton resourcesVerified contactsUpdated regularly

Situation overview

An IRS federal tax lien in Clinton, SC attaches to all your property but does not prevent selling. File Form 14135 for lien discharge at least 45 days before closing. In SC, federal tax liens are filed with the county Register of Deeds. The IRS Fresh Start program offers expanded payment options for qualifying taxpayers.

What to do first

An IRS federal tax lien attaches to all your property but does not mean you cannot sell. Lien discharge (Form 14135), subordination, and the Fresh Start program offer paths to clear title. Acting before the 10-year collection statute expires gives you leverage.

Start with

  1. Request a lien discharge (Form 14135) at least 45 days before your planned closing date.
  2. Explore the IRS Fresh Start program — installment agreements up to $50,000 and OIC for qualifying taxpayers.
  3. Consult the Taxpayer Advocate Service (1-877-777-4778) if you are facing financial hardship or timing pressure.

Avoid

  1. Assume an IRS lien prevents selling — lien discharge allows property sales with IRS cooperation.
  2. Ignore the lien and hope the IRS does not enforce it — the 10-year collection period can be suspended.
  3. Try to transfer or hide property to avoid an IRS lien — this can result in criminal penalties.

Step-by-step action plan

A starting path you can follow before committing to any contract or agreement.

  1. Request a transcript from the IRS (1-800-829-1040) to confirm the exact amount owed and assessment dates.
  2. Search the SC Secretary of State or county records to confirm whether a Notice of Federal Tax Lien has been filed.
  3. Contact the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service (1-877-777-4778) if you are facing financial hardship or need help.

Who to contact in Clinton

IRS Lien and Debt Attorneys

Howe & Rice, LLC (Claude H. Howe III)

Clinton native Claude H. Howe III (USC B.A. 1975, USC School of Law J.D. 1978) has practiced from 509 N Broad Street IN Clinton for over 45 years. AV Preeminent peer-review rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Admitted to U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit (1982). Has tried hundreds of cases before judge or jury. Handles real estate transactions, closings, estate planning, probate, and general civil litigation.

(864) 833-4748

509 N Broad St, Clinton, SC 29325

Howe & Rice — real estate and estate planning

Bacot & Padgett, LLC (James G. Padgett III)

James Graham Padgett III (Wofford College B.A. 1998, USC School of Law J.D.) serves on the SC Board of Law Examiners appointed by the SC Supreme Court. Firm at 414 Monument Street in Greenwood serves Greenwood, Abbeville, Laurens, Newberry, and McCormick counties. Handles real estate, probate, personal injury, family court, and estate planning.

(864) 227-1570

414 Monument St, Suite C, Greenwood, SC 29646

Bacot & Padgett — real estate and general practice

Housing Counseling and Foreclosure Prevention

HUD Housing Counselor Referral Line

Federal HUD counselor locator and hotline for Clinton homeowners who need foreclosure-prevention counseling, loan-workout planning, and loss-mitigation guidance in Laurens County.

Find a HUD-approved housing counselor

SC Housing Finance and Development Authority

South Carolina state agency providing homeowner assistance programs, foreclosure-prevention resources, and referrals to HUD-approved counseling agencies serving Laurens County.

SC Housing homeowner assistance

Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid

South Carolina Legal Services — Greenville Office

Free civil legal services for income-eligible Laurens County residents including housing, foreclosure defense, eviction, consumer protection, and public benefits.

SC Legal Services statewide helpline

SC Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service

Statewide lawyer referral service connecting Clinton homeowners with private attorneys for foreclosure, probate, bankruptcy, divorce, or lien matters.

SC Bar lawyer referral service

IRS Tax Lien Real Estate Agents in Clinton

Chamiese Evans — Licensed Realtor

Specializing in helping Clinton homeowners navigate irs tax lien situations — whether that means selling, negotiating, or exploring every option before making a decision. NorthGroup Real Estate.

Visit listrobin.com

Common questions

Can I sell my house if the IRS has a tax lien on it in Clinton?

Yes, but you need IRS cooperation. File Form 14135 at least 45 days before closing to request a lien discharge. The IRS will discharge the lien from the property if they receive the proceeds or the remaining assets cover the debt.

How long does an IRS tax lien last?

The IRS has 10 years from the date of assessment to collect, but this period can be suspended by installment agreements, offers in compromise, or bankruptcy. The lien is released when the debt is paid, the statute expires, or you negotiate a settlement.

Where do I search for IRS liens on my property in SC?

In North Carolina, federal tax liens are filed with the NC Secretary of State — search free online at sosnc.gov. In South Carolina, federal tax liens are filed with the county Register of Deeds or Clerk of Court in each county where you own property.

Related situations in Clinton

Homeowners dealing with irs tax lien often face overlapping issues. These resources may also help.

IRS Tax Lien in other cities

Researched by CC Evans, Marketing Analyst — RobinOffer

Last reviewed: February 2026

This directory is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Confirm all options with licensed counsel or a qualified financial professional before signing any agreement.

Sources: SC Code of Laws · HUD.gov · CFPB.gov

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