Tax Liens & Levy Attorney in Philadelphia

Dedicated Counsel for Tax Lien & Levy Resolution in Philadelphia

Pritzker Law Group addresses tax liens and levies through the lens of real estate law. We negotiate with federal, state, and local taxing authorities to release liens encumbering property, with close attention to the sale, refinancing, acquisition, or development transaction affected by the debt.

As a full-service real estate law firm, we handle most services in-house and support developers, investors, businesses, institutions, and individual property owners. That structure provides continuity when lien resolution must be coordinated with title review, financing, permitting, or closing requirements.

How Tax Liens & Levies Affect Property Owners

A tax lien is a legal claim against property securing an unpaid tax debt. A levy is a collection action through which the IRS or another taxing authority can seize funds or property to satisfy the debt. The distinction matters when deciding how quickly to act and which resolution path applies.

Recorded liens can interfere with financing, property transfers, licenses, permits, and public-private projects. Pennsylvania Department of Revenue liens are filed with the county Prothonotary’s Office, creating a public record that surfaces during a property title search or business transaction.

An unresolved lien or levy can affect:

• Sales and refinancing: A title company or lender may require a payoff, satisfaction, or release before proceeding.
• Credit access: Tax and judgment liens can make new financing or lines of credit harder to obtain.
• Licenses and permits: Delinquent taxes may prevent an owner or business from receiving certain clearances, licenses, or permits.
• Government relationships: Outstanding obligations can complicate dealings with local agencies and participation in public-private projects.

Philadelphia Tax Foreclosure & Sheriff’s Sale Proceedings

Philadelphia municipal tax foreclosure proceeds under Pennsylvania’s Municipal Claims and Tax Lien Act, which governs enforcement of certain municipal claims against real estate. In general, the city must petition the Court of Common Pleas for authorization before a property is listed for a Sheriff’s Sale, giving property owners a window to act.

A tax sale can involve a right of redemption, meaning the former owner has a limited right to reclaim qualifying property after the sale by paying the required amount. For certain non-vacant properties, that period is generally nine months from acknowledgment of the sheriff’s deed, though eligibility and deadlines depend on the specific property and proceeding.

Business tax lien and judgment payoff requests are handled through the City of Philadelphia Department of Revenue’s Settlement Group. We can coordinate the payoff request, negotiate with the relevant authority, and address the documentation required for title clearance.

Tax, Mortgage, Judgment, & Municipal Liens

Not every recorded claim requires the same response. Our tax liens lawyer in Philadelphia examines the creditor, underlying debt, lien priority, property records, and transaction requirements before developing a resolution strategy.

Our lien resolution work includes:

• Tax liens: We work with taxing authorities and seek reductions or elimination of associated interest and penalties where available.
• Commercial and residential tax debt: We address taxation issues before or after they escalate into recorded liens.
• Mortgage liens: We negotiate with lending institutions to pursue sustainable payment arrangements and help clients avoid foreclosure where possible.
• Judgment liens: We work to resolve claims filed by creditors, contractors, or vendors as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
• Municipal liens: We identify and address claims involving unpaid utility bills, permit issues, or code violations, including matters that don’t appear in a basic lien search.

Options for Releasing a Tax Lien or Levy

The right path depends on the validity and amount of the debt, the taxing authority involved, the client’s financial circumstances, and any pending property transaction. Full payment generally leads to a satisfaction or release, but negotiated alternatives are often available.

An Offer in Compromise is an IRS program that may settle qualifying tax debt for less than the full balance. We assess available options, help prepare the financial documentation, and submit the appropriate materials. We also negotiate with local taxing authorities and private creditors to pursue structured settlements and lien releases for less than the claimed amount when circumstances support that approach.

When a closing or refinance is pending, we connect the resolution process with the title and transaction work. That can include confirming payoff figures, reviewing release terms, tracking satisfaction documents, and addressing related title issues.

Philadelphia Real Estate Counsel for Lien Resolution

Adam and Rachael Pritzker founded Pritzker Law Group around a collaborative approach to real estate development and transactions. Our background with city councils, zoning boards, and Philadelphia agencies informs how we navigate regulatory requirements and communicate with local government offices. 

Since we deliver most legal services in-house, clients can work with one firm across lien resolution, title concerns, real estate transactions, zoning, and development matters. We’re also a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise committed to community-focused development in Philadelphia.

Our Philadelphia Tax Lien Lawyer Can Help You

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to explain the lien or levy, identify the authority or creditor involved, and discuss your next practical step. Bringing available notices, payoff statements, title materials, and sale or loan deadlines helps focus the conversation.

Waiting allows interest and penalties to grow and gives enforcement proceedings more room to advance. We keep both the lien and the affected transaction in view throughout the process.