How to Remove an FTB Tax Lien in California (Orange County Guide)
Introduction: What a California Tax Lien Really Means
If you’ve discovered a California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) tax lien filed against you, you’re not alone — and you're not powerless. Tax liens can damage your credit, block real estate transactions, and signal aggressive collection action. Fortunately, there are legal ways to request lien release, withdrawal, or subordination. In this guide, I’ll explain what an FTB tax lien means, how it affects you, and how we help Orange County taxpayers fight back with proven strategies.
If the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) has filed a state tax lien against you, it’s more than just a notice—it’s a public record that can ruin your credit, damage your business reputation, and make it harder to sell or refinance property.
A tax lien doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
With the right help, you can
remove an FTB lien with help from an Orange County CPA, protect your assets, and get back in control of your finances. In this guide, we’ll explain what a tax lien is, how it affects you, and what steps you can take today.
What Is an FTB Tax Lien?
A tax lien is a legal claim the state files against your real or personal property when you owe unpaid taxes. The FTB records this lien with your county recorder or the California Secretary of State to protect the state’s interest in your assets.
It applies to:
- Real estate you own
- Business property and equipment
- Bank accounts or personal property in your name
It does not immediately take your property—but it can stop you from selling, borrowing against, or refinancing it.
We help California taxpayers remove or reduce tax liens through proper filings and relief strategies. Schedule a confidential consultation today.
Why Did the FTB File a Lien?
The FTB typically files a lien when:
- You owe over $100 in tax debt
- You've ignored multiple notices
- You failed to make payment arrangements
- The account is assigned to collections
Once filed, the lien is public and may appear on:
- Your credit report
- Background checks
- Title searches
This move is often the last warning before stronger actions—so it’s critical to
take action before an FTB lien turns into a levy.
What Problems Can a Tax Lien Cause?
- Ruins your credit score (even if paid later)
- Prevents home sales or refinancing
- Scares away lenders and investors
- Creates red flags for business licensing and bonding
- Embarrassment or reputational harm (it’s public info)
How to Remove an FTB Tax Lien
There are several ways to remove or reduce the impact of an FTB lien:
1. Pay the Tax Debt in Full
The most direct route. Once paid, the FTB will release the lien within 30 days. You can then request a Certificate of Release of Lien to show creditors or lenders.
2. Set Up a Payment Plan
The FTB may delay or avoid filing a lien if you establish an installment agreement early. If the lien is already filed, a payment plan can help demonstrate good faith and lead to eventual release.
We may also help you settle your balance to get the lien released through structured negotiations.
3. Submit an Offer in Compromise
If you can’t pay in full, you may qualify to settle your debt. The FTB generally releases the lien after the final payment of an accepted Offer in Compromise.
4. Request a Lien Withdrawal
In limited cases, you can request a withdrawal of the lien even before full payment if:
- It was filed in error
- You’ve entered into a qualifying agreement
- It's in the state’s best interest to remove it (e.g., for refinancing that allows you to pay)
5. Request Subordination
If you're trying to refinance or sell your home, the FTB may agree to subordinate its lien—allowing another lender to take priority—if it helps repay your tax debt.
6. Prove Hardship
You may qualify to stop collections with a hardship-based lien removal strategy if the lien prevents you from securing housing, employment, or basic living needs. We assist with hardship relief through the FTB’s Taxpayer Rights Advocate or hardship deferral programs.
We may also be able to reduce or remove penalties related to your lien if you’ve acted in good faith or qualify for relief due to financial circumstances.
What to Do Right Now If You Have a Lien
- Get a transcript or contact the FTB to understand the lien’s origin
- Gather your financials to explore settlement, payment plan, or hardship
- Avoid refinancing or selling property until the lien is addressed
- Work with a licensed CPA who knows how to resolve liens with the state
Why Work With a CPA for FTB Lien Removal?
At Boulanger CPA, we help clients throughout Orange County, including Santa Ana, Irvine, and Anaheim, navigate complex lien issues.
We:
- File release and withdrawal requests
- Handle Offer in Compromise negotiations
- Represent you in lien disputes or protests
- Communicate directly with FTB collections agents
Let’s Remove That Lien – Contact Us Today
Website:
www.orangecounty.cpa
Phone:
657-218-5700
Email:
marc@boulangercpa.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an FTB tax lien?
A tax lien from the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is a legal claim against your property when you owe past-due state income taxes.
How does the FTB file a lien?
If you ignore tax notices and do not resolve your balance, the FTB can record a lien with the county recorder’s office. This damages your credit and affects real estate sales.
Can I remove an FTB lien if I pay the balance?
Yes. Once paid in full, you can request a lien release. It may take several weeks to show on public records.
Can I remove the lien without paying the full amount?
Sometimes. If you settle through an Offer in Compromise or hardship deferral, the FTB may release or withdraw the lien depending on your circumstances.
What’s the difference between a lien release and a lien withdrawal?
A release removes the lien after payment. A withdrawal removes the lien from your public credit history as if it was never filed—often harder to get.
Why work with an Orange County CPA?
A local CPA can contact the FTB, prepare documentation, negotiate settlements, and request the lien be removed or withdrawn faster and with less stress.
📣 About the Author
Marc Boulanger, CPA is the founder of Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, a boutique tax resolution firm based in Orange County, California and trusted by high-income individuals and business owners across Southern California.
He is the author of Defend What’s Yours: A California Taxpayer’s Guide to Beating the IRS and FTB at Their Own Game, available now on Amazon. The book offers a step-by-step plan for resolving IRS and FTB tax debt without losing your business, your home, or your peace of mind.
With over a decade of experience resolving high-stakes IRS and State tax matters, Marc brings strategic insight to complex cases involving wage garnishments, bank levies, unfiled returns, and six-figure tax debts. He is known for helping clients reduce or eliminate tax liabilities through expertly negotiated settlements and compliance plans.
Marc is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in California and Oklahoma and holds the designation of Certified Tax Representation Consultant. He is a member of the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS) — the national organization founded by the educators and practitioners who have trained thousands of CPAs, EAs, and tax attorneys in IRS representation strategy.
Every case is handled with discretion, proven methodology, and direct CPA-led representation — not call center scripts.
📍 Learn more at www.orangecounty.cpa or call (657) 218-5700.
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