Overview
When federal tax is full paid or satisfied, the IRS stops all collection efforts.
If you owed federal taxes and the IRS filed a Notice of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) with local and/or state authorities, when the balance is full paid, then the lien is generally released automatically (self-released).
You owed federal taxes and you full paid or satisfied the debt, or the time the IRS had to collect has expired.
If you need proof you have full paid your balance, you can order a transcript or access your Online Account.
You can file a claim for refund by submitting Form 843, Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement. For more information, see Publication 556, Examination of Returns, Appeal Rights, and Claims for Refund. Make sure you file your refund claim timely.
If it has been more than 30-days since the balance was full paid, contact the IRS Centralized Lien Office by calling 800–913-6050 or e-fax 855-390-3530 to request a copy of the lien release.
If you want a copy of the lien release and it has been less than 30-days since the balance was full paid, you must make the request in writing and mail it to the Collection Advisory Group in your area.
See Applying for Withdrawal of the Notice of Federal Tax Lien.
Understanding your notice or letter
For more specifics on your notice, visit Understanding your IRS Notice or Letter on IRS.gov
Get Help topics
Browse common tax issues and situations at TAS Get Help
If you still need help
The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayers’ rights. We can offer you help if your tax problem is causing a financial difficulty, you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should. If you qualify for our assistance, which is always free, we will do everything possible to help you.
Visit www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov or call 
1-877-777-4778.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) are independent from the IRS and TAS. LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in court. In addition, LITCs can provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages for individuals who speak English as a second language. Services are offered for free or a small fee. For more information or to find an LITC near you, see the LITC page on the TAS website or Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List.
View our Interactive Tax Map
Let us help you navigate your way through the IRS. Visit our interactive tax map to see where you are in the tax process.
Taxpayer Roadmap
The taxpayer Bill of Rights is grouped into 10 easy to understand categories outlining the taxpayer rights and protections embedded in the tax code.
It is also what guides the advocacy work we do for taxpayers.
