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IRS NFTL · same-day

Search for federal tax liens. IRS NFTL filings, all jurisdictions.

A federal tax lien (Notice of Federal Tax Lien, or NFTL) is the IRS's claim against a debtor's property for unpaid taxes. NFTLs are filed with state SOS or county recorder offices. They survive bankruptcy and attach to all property the debtor owns or acquires until the lien is released. Required for M&A due diligence, lender underwriting, and real estate transactions. We search any state or county same day.

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All 50 states + DC 60-day money-back SOC 2 Type II
How it works

How we handle Federal Tax Lien Search, end-to-end.

A federal tax lien (Notice of Federal Tax Lien, or NFTL) is the IRS's claim against a debtor's property for unpaid taxes.

1

Debtor + jurisdiction

Debtor's exact legal name (entity registered name or individual full name). Jurisdiction varies: state SOS for some states, county recorder for others. We confirm the right filing office for the debtor's state.

2

Same-day search

Query the SOS or recorder's records electronically (or by phone for older counties without electronic systems). Results returned within hours.

3

Report delivery

Clean report listing all active NFTLs with: filing date, IRS office, tax year(s), unpaid balance at time of filing, and any subsequent releases or subordinations. Delivered as PDF same day.

4

Release coordination (optional)

If the search reveals an NFTL that needs to be released (the debt has been paid but the release was never filed), we coordinate with the IRS to obtain a Certificate of Release. $299 per release.

What we'll set up for you

A clean handoff, in four steps.

You give us the basics. We handle the state, the IRS, and the compliance clock so you can focus on the business.

01 · Name + Brand

A name that's actually available.

Real-time check against the state register, USPTO trademark database, and matching domains.

02 · State filing

Filed with the Secretary of State.

We submit your Articles, pay the state fee on your behalf, and return the stamped certificate.

03 · Federal IDs

EIN + the right tax setup.

Federal Employer ID with the IRS, plus state tax accounts when your business needs them.

04 · Stay compliant

Registered Agent + deadline tracking.

Your agent on file in every state, with every renewal and annual report tracked in one calendar.

Pricing

Transparent federal tax lien search pricing.

Government fees pass through at cost. No upsells.

Single search

$99
One jurisdiction.

Federal tax lien search in one state or county, same-day delivery. State or county fee passes through at cost.

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UCC + Tax Lien bundle

$149
Both searches in one jurisdiction.

Combined UCC and federal tax lien search in one jurisdiction. Standard package for lender underwriting and routine due diligence. Saves $29 vs. searches purchased separately.

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Multi-state DD bundle

$499
Tax lien + UCC in up to 5 states.

Federal tax lien plus UCC search in up to 5 jurisdictions. Includes state tax lien searches at no extra cost. For M&A due diligence and major lender underwriting.

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FAQ

About the Federal Tax Lien Search Service.

What is a federal tax lien search?
A federal tax lien search checks public records for IRS liens filed against a person or business for unpaid federal taxes, which attach to the taxpayer's property and take priority in many situations. It is important in lending and due diligence. We keep your entity records organized so a search on your business is clean.
What is a federal tax lien?
It is the government's legal claim against your property when you fail to pay a tax debt, arising automatically and made public through a filed Notice of Federal Tax Lien, which can affect your credit and ability to sell or borrow. We flag how such a lien affects a business or transaction.
Why would I run a tax lien search?
To check a business or person you are lending to, buying from, or partnering with for IRS or state tax liens that could take priority over your interest, or to review your own record. Tax liens are significant, and we flag when a search is warranted.
How does a tax lien affect my business?
A federal tax lien can cloud title, complicate borrowing and sales, and, because it can attach to essentially all your property, take priority over other creditors, so it is a serious matter. We flag how a lien affects financing and transactions so it is addressed.
How do I remove a federal tax lien?
Generally by paying the tax debt, after which the IRS releases the lien, though options like discharge, subordination, or withdrawal can help in specific situations. We flag the resolution paths and, with a tax professional, help you address the underlying debt. See payment options.
Does an installment agreement affect a lien?
It can: in some cases entering an installment agreement can lead to a lien being withdrawn, and resolving the debt is the path to release, so how you handle the debt affects the lien. We flag the interaction so you pursue the best resolution.
How is this different from a state tax lien?
A federal tax lien is from the IRS, while states file their own tax liens for unpaid state taxes, so thorough due diligence checks both, along with judgment and UCC liens. We flag which searches a transaction warrants so nothing is missed.
When should I run a tax lien search?
Before lending to, buying, or entering a major deal with a business or person, and on your own business before significant transactions, since tax liens can override other claims. We flag when it fits your due diligence so priority claims are known.
Can File.Business help with tax lien issues?
We keep your entity and records organized so searches tie to it correctly, flag how tax liens affect financing and transactions, and coordinate with a tax professional on resolving an underlying debt, so a lien is understood and addressed rather than ignored.

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Transparent pricing
No hidden fees. No upsells at checkout. State fees disclosed upfront.

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