How to Remove an FTB Tax Lien in California (Orange County Guide)

Marc Boulanger • April 15, 2025
A red sign that says ftb tax lien in front of a building

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.


In fact, you may be able to
remove or release the lien, especially if you’re taking steps to resolve your tax debt.

This post explains what an FTB tax lien is, how it affects you, and the ways Orange County residents can get it removed legally and efficiently.



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.

💡 Have an FTB lien on your record?
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



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.


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

If the lien is preventing essential life functions—such as obtaining housing or employment—you may qualify for hardship-based relief or lien removal through the Taxpayer Rights Advocate.

Learn more: FTB Hardship Deferral Guide


What to Do Right Now If You Have a Lien


  1. Get a transcript or contact the FTB to understand the lien’s origin
  2. Gather your financials to explore settlement, payment plan, or hardship
  3. Avoid refinancing or selling property until the lien is addressed
  4. 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
E
mail: marc@boulangercpa.com


Frequently Asked Questions

What is an FTB tax lien?

An FTB tax lien is a public record showing that the California Franchise Tax Board has a legal claim against your property due to unpaid taxes. It can affect your credit, ability to sell property, and overall financial standing.

How do I know if the FTB has filed a lien against me?

You’ll receive a Notice of State Tax Lien by mail. You can also search California’s Secretary of State lien records or request a transcript of your FTB account.

Can a lien be removed if I pay the tax in full?

Yes. Once your full balance is paid, the FTB will typically release the lien within 30–60 days. You or your representative can request an expedited release if needed for a sale or refinancing.

Are there ways to remove a lien without paying in full?

In some cases, yes. The FTB may consider lien withdrawal, subordination, or release for hardship or administrative reasons. These options require specific documentation and professional representation improves the odds of success.

Can a CPA help remove a tax lien?

Absolutely. A CPA can evaluate your lien status, negotiate with the FTB, and submit a proper request for release, withdrawal, or subordination—depending on your financial and legal situation.


📣 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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