The lien imposed by section 6321 shall not be valid as against any purchaser, holder of a security interest, mechanic's lienor, or judgment lien creditor until notice thereof which meets the requirements of subsection (f) has been filed by the Secretary.
Even though notice of a lien imposed by section 6321 has been filed, such lien shall not be valid-
With respect to a security (as defined in subsection (h)(4))-
With respect to a motor vehicle (as defined in subsection (h)(3)), as against a purchaser of such motor vehicle, if-
With respect to tangible personal property purchased at retail, as against a purchaser in the ordinary course of the seller's trade or business, unless at the time of such purchase such purchaser intends such purchase to (or knows such purchase will) hinder, evade, or defeat the collection of any tax under this title.
With respect to household goods, personal effects, or other tangible personal property described in section 6334(a) purchased (not for resale) in a casual sale for less than $1,000, as against the purchaser, but only if such purchaser does not have actual notice or knowledge (A) of the existence of such lien, or (B) that this sale is one of a series of sales.
With respect to tangible personal property subject to a lien under local law securing the reasonable price of the repair or improvement of such property, as against a holder of such a lien, if such holder is, and has been, continuously in possession of such property from the time such lien arose.
With respect to real property, as against a holder of a lien upon such property, if such lien is entitled under local law to priority over security interests in such property which are prior in time, and such lien secures payment of-
With respect to real property subject to a lien for repair or improvement of a personal residence (containing not more than four dwelling units) occupied by the owner of such residence, as against a mechanic's lienor, but only if the contract price on the contract with the owner is not more than $5,000.
With respect to a judgment or other amount in settlement of a claim or of a cause of action, as against an attorney who, under local law, holds a lien upon or a contract enforcible against such judgment or amount, to the extent of his reasonable compensation for obtaining such judgment or procuring such settlement, except that this paragraph shall not apply to any judgment or amount in settlement of a claim or of a cause of action against the United States to the extent that the United States offsets such judgment or amount against any liability of the taxpayer to the United States.
With respect to a life insurance, endowment, or annuity contract, as against the organization which is the insurer under such contract, at any time-
With respect to a savings deposit, share, or other account with an institution described in section 581 or 591, to the extent of any loan made by such institution without actual notice or knowledge of the existence of such lien, as against such institution, if such loan is secured by such account.
To the extent provided in this subsection, even though notice of a lien imposed by section 6321 has been filed, such lien shall not be valid with respect to a security interest which came into existence after tax lien filing but which-
For purposes of this subsection-
The term "commercial transactions financing agreement" means an agreement (entered into by a person in the course of his trade or business)-
but such an agreement shall be treated as coming within the term only to the extent that such loan or purchase is made before the 46th day after the date of tax lien filing or (if earlier) before the lender or purchaser had actual notice or knowledge of such tax lien filing.
The term "qualified property", when used with respect to a commercial transactions financing agreement, includes only commercial financing security acquired by the taxpayer before the 46th day after the date of tax lien filing.
The term "commercial financing security" means (i) paper of a kind ordinarily arising in commercial transactions, (ii) accounts receivable, (iii) mortgages on real property, and (iv) inventory.
A person who satisfies subparagraph (A) by reason of clause (ii) thereof shall be treated as having acquired a security interest in commercial financing security
For purposes of this subsection-
The term "real property construction or improvement financing agreement" means an agreement to make cash disbursements to finance-
For purposes of clause (iii), the furnishing of goods and services shall be treated as the disbursement of cash.
The term "qualified property", when used with respect to a real property construction or improvement financing agreement, includes only-
For purposes of this subsection-
The term "obligatory disbursement agreement" means an agreement (entered into by a person in the course of his trade or business) to make disbursements, but such an agreement shall be treated as coming within the term only to the extent of disbursements which are required to be made by reason of the intervention of the rights of a person other than the taxpayer.
The term "qualified property", when used with respect to an obligatory disbursement agreement, means property subject to the lien imposed by section 6321 at the time of tax lien filing and (to the extent that the acquisition is directly traceable to the disbursements referred to in subparagraph (A)) property acquired by the taxpayer after tax lien filing.
Where the obligatory disbursement agreement is an agreement ensuring the performance of a contract between the taxpayer and another person-
Even though notice of a lien imposed by section 6321 has been filed, such lien shall not be valid with respect to a security interest which came into existence after tax lien filing by reason of disbursements made before the 46th day after the date of tax lien filing, or (if earlier) before the person making such disbursements had actual notice or knowledge of tax lien filing, but only if such security interest-
If the lien imposed by section 6321 is not valid as against a lien or security interest, the priority of such lien or security interest shall extend to-
to the extent that, under local law, any such item has the same priority as the lien or security interest to which it relates.
The notice referred to in subsection (a) shall be filed-
In the case of real property, in one office within the State (or the county, or other governmental subdivision), as designated by the laws of such State, in which the property subject to the lien is situated; and
In the case of personal property, whether tangible or intangible, in one office within the State (or the county, or other governmental subdivision), as designated by the laws of such State, in which the property subject to the lien is situated, except that State law merely conforming to or reenacting Federal law establishing a national filing system does not constitute a second office for filing as designated by the laws of such State; or
In the office of the clerk of the United States district court for the judicial district in which the property subject to the lien is situated, whenever the State has not by law designated one office which meets the requirements of subparagraph (A); or
In the office of the Recorder of Deeds of the District of Columbia, if the property subject to the lien is situated in the District of Columbia.
For purposes of paragraphs (1) and (4), property shall be deemed to be situated-
In the case of real property, at its physical location; or
In the case of personal property, whether tangible or intangible, at the residence of the taxpayer at the time the notice of lien is filed.
For purposes of paragraph (2)(B), the residence of a corporation or partnership shall be deemed to be the place at which the principal executive office of the business is located, and the residence of a taxpayer whose residence is without the United States shall be deemed to be in the District of Columbia.
The form and content of the notice referred to in subsection (a) shall be prescribed by the Secretary. Such notice shall be valid notwithstanding any other provision of law regarding the form or content of a notice of lien.
In the case of real property, if-
then the notice of lien referred to in subsection (a) shall not be treated as meeting the filing requirements under paragraph (1) unless the fact of filing is entered and recorded in the index referred to in subparagraph (B) in such a manner that a reasonable inspection of the index will reveal the existence of the lien.
The filing of a notice of lien shall be governed solely by this title and shall not be subject to any other Federal law establishing a place or places for the filing of liens or encumbrances under a national filing system.
For purposes of this section-
Unless notice of lien is refiled in the manner prescribed in paragraph (2) during the required refiling period, such notice of lien shall be treated as filed on the date on which it is filed (in accordance with subsection (f)) after the expiration of such refiling period.
A notice of lien refiled during the required refiling period shall be effective only-
In the case of any notice of lien, the term "required refiling period" means-
Notwithstanding paragraph (3), if the assessment of the tax was made before January 1, 1962, the first required refiling period shall be the calendar year 1967.
For purposes of this section and section 6324-
The term "security interest" means any interest in property acquired by contract for the purpose of securing payment or performance of an obligation or indemnifying against loss or liability. A security interest exists at any time (A) if, at such time, the property is in existence and the interest has become protected under local law against a subsequent judgment lien arising out of an unsecured obligation, and (B) to the extent that, at such time, the holder has parted with money or money's worth.
The term "mechanic's lienor" means any person who under local law has a lien on real property (or on the proceeds of a contract relating to real property) for services, labor, or materials furnished in connection with the construction or improvement of such property. For purposes of the preceding sentence, a person has a lien on the earliest date such lien becomes valid under local law against subsequent purchasers without actual notice, but not before he begins to furnish the services, labor, or materials.
The term "motor vehicle" means a self-propelled vehicle which is registered for highway use under the laws of any State or foreign country.
The term "security" means any bond, debenture, note, or certificate or other evidence of indebtedness, issued by a corporation or a government or political subdivision thereof, with interest coupons or in registered form, share of stock, voting trust certificate, or any certificate of interest or participation in, certificate of deposit or receipt for, temporary or interim certificate for, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing; negotiable instrument; or money.
The term "tax lien filing" means the filing of notice (referred to in subsection (a)) of the lien imposed by section 6321.
The term "purchaser" means a person who, for adequate and full consideration in money or money's worth, acquires an interest (other than a lien or security interest) in property which is valid under local law against subsequent purchasers without actual notice. In applying the preceding sentence for purposes of subsection (a) of this section, and for purposes of section 6324-
which is not a lien or security interest shall be treated as an interest in property.
For purposes of this subchapter, an organization shall be deemed for purposes of a particular transaction to have actual notice or knowledge of any fact from the time such fact is brought to the attention of the individual conducting such transaction, and in any event from the time such fact would have been brought to such individual's attention if the organization had exercised due diligence. An organization exercises due diligence if it maintains reasonable routines for communicating significant information to the person conducting the transaction and there is reasonable compliance with the routine. Due diligence does not require an individual acting for the organization to communicate information unless such communication is part of his regular duties or unless he has reason to know of the transaction and that the transaction would be materially affected by the information.
Where, under local law, one person is subrogated to the rights of another with respect to a lien or interest, such person shall be subrogated to such rights for purposes of any lien imposed by section 6321 or 6324.
For purposes of this subchapter, a forfeiture under local law of property seized by a law enforcement agency of a State, county, or other local governmental subdivision shall relate back to the time of seizure, except that this paragraph shall not apply to the extent that under local law the holder of an intervening claim or interest would have priority over the interest of the State, county, or other local governmental subdivision in the property.
In the case of notices of liens imposed by section 6321 which are filed in any calendar year after 1998, each of the dollar amounts under paragraph (4) or (7) of subsection (b) shall be increased by an amount equal to-
If any amount as adjusted under the preceding sentence is not a multiple of $10, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10.
The Secretary may withdraw a notice of a lien filed under this section and this chapter shall be applied as if the withdrawn notice had not been filed, if the Secretary determines that-
Any such withdrawal shall be made by filing notice at the same office as the withdrawn notice. A copy of such notice of withdrawal shall be provided to the taxpayer.
Upon written request by the taxpayer with respect to whom a notice of a lien was withdrawn under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall promptly make reasonable efforts to notify credit reporting agencies, and any financial institution or creditor whose name and address is specified in such request, of the withdrawal of such notice. Any such request shall be in such form as the Secretary may prescribe.
26 U.S.C. § 6323
Inflation Adjusted Items for Certain Years For inflation adjustment of certain items in this section, see Revenue Procedures listed in a table under section 1 of this title.
EDITORIAL NOTES
AMENDMENTS2017-Subsec. (i)(4)(B). Pub. L. 115-97 substituted "for 'calendar year 2016' in subparagraph (A)(ii)" for "for 'calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B)".1998-Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 105-206, §3435(a)(1)(A), substituted "$1,000" for "$250". Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 105-206, §3435(a)(1)(B), substituted "$5,000" for "$1,000".Subsec. (b)(10). Pub. L. 105-206, §3435(b), in heading substituted "Deposit-secured loans" for "Passbook loans", and in text struck out ", evidenced by a passbook," after "other account" and substituted period at end for "and if such institution has been continuously in possession of such passbook from the time the loan is made."Subsec. (i)(4). Pub. L. 105-206, §3435(a)(2), added par. (4).Subsec. (j)(1)(D). Pub. L. 105-206, §1102(d)(1)(A), substituted "National Taxpayer Advocate" for "Taxpayer Advocate" in two places.1996-Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 104-168 added subsec. (j).1990-Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101-508, §11704(a) (26), substituted "Purchasers" for "Purchases" in heading.Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 101-508, §11317(b), substituted "10 years" for "6 years" wherever appearing. 1988-Subsec. (f)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 100-647, §1015(s)(1)(A), inserted exception that State law merely conforming to or reenacting Federal law establishing a national filing system does not constitute a second office for filing as designated by the laws of such State.Subsec. (f)(5). Pub. L. 100-647, §1015(s)(1)(B), added par. (5).1986-Subsec. (i)(3). Pub. L. 99-514 added par. (3).1978-Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 95-600, §702(q)(1), in heading substituted "Indexing required with respect to certain real property" for "Index" and in text inserted provisions relating to the validity of a deed, under the laws of the State in which the real property is located, as against a purchaser who does not have actual notice or knowledge of the existence of such deed and provisions relating to the maintenance of an adequate system for the public indexing of Federal tax liens.Subsec. (g)(2)(A). Pub. L. 95-600, §702(q)(2), inserted reference to real property. 1976-Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 94-455, §1906(b)(13)(A), struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary" wherever appearing.Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 94-455, §2008(c)(1)(B), inserted introductory reference to par. (4). Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 94-455, §1906(b)(13)(A), struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 94-455, §2008(c)(1)(A), added par. (4).Subsec. (g)(2)(A), (B). Pub. L. 94-455, §§1906(b)(13)(A), 2008(c)(2), required the fact of refiling be entered and recorded in an index in accordance with subsec. (f)(4), and struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary" wherever appearing.Subsec. (i)(3). Pub. L. 94-455, §1202(h)(2), struck out par. (3) which related to a special rule respecting disclosure of amount of outstanding lien. 1966-Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89-719 redesignated as subsec. (a) that part of former subsec. (a) which preceded pars. (1) to (3) thereof, and, in subsec. (a) as so redesignated, substituted holder of a security interest, mechanic's lienor, and judgment lien creditor for mortgagee, pledgee, and judgment creditor, struck out reference to an exception provided in subsecs. (c) and (d), and inserted reference to requirements of subsec. (f).Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 89-493 substituted the Recorder of Deeds of the District of Columbia for the clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 89-719 redesignated provisions of subsec. (c)(1) as subsec. (b)(1) and substituted "holder of a security interest" for "mortgagee and pledgee" and purchaser of such security interest for purchaser of such security for any adequate and full consideration in money or money's worth. Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 89-719 redesignated provisions of subsec. (d)(1) as subsec. (b)(2) and substituted purchaser of such motor vehicle for purchaser of such motor vehicle for an adequate and full consideration in money or money's worth and substituted actual notice or knowledge for notice or knowledge.Subsec. (b)(3) to (10). Pub. L. 89-719 added pars. (3) to (10).Subsecs. (c) to (e). Pub. L. 89-719 added subsecs. (c) to (e).Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 89-719 redesignated provisions of former subsec. (a)(1) to (3) as subsec. (f)(1).Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 89-719 added par. (2).Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 89-719 redesignated provisions of former subsec. (b) as subsec. (f)(3) and substituted provisions that the form and content of the notice be prescribed by the Secretary or his delegate for provisions limiting the effectiveness of the notice to situations in which the notice is in such form as would be valid if filed with the clerk of the United States district court when state or territory law fails to designate an office for the filing of notice.Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 89-719 added subsec. (g).Subsec. (h)(1), (2). Pub. L. 89-719 added pars. (1) and (2).Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 89-719 redesignated provisions of former subsec. (d)(2) as subsec. (h)(3). Subsec. (h)(4). Pub. L. 89-719 redesignated provisions of former subsec. (c)(2) as subsec. (h)(4).Subsec. (h)(5), (6). Pub. L. 89-719 added pars. (5), (6).Subsec. (i)(1), (2). Pub. L. 89-719 added pars. (1), (2).Subsec. (i)(3). Pub. L. 89-719 redesignated provisions of former subsec. (e) as subsec. (i)(3) and substituted "regulations" for "rules and relations". 1964-Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 88-272, §236(c)(1), substituted "subsections (c) and (d)" for "subsection (c)". Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 88-272, §236(a), added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e).
STATUTORY NOTES AND RELATED SUBSIDIARIES
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2017 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 115-97 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, see section 11002(e) of Pub. L. 115-97, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1998 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 1102(d)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 105-206 effective July 22, 1998, see section 1102(f)(1) of Pub. L. 105-206, set out as a note under section 7803 of this title. Pub. L. 105-206, §3435(c), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 761, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [July 22, 1998]."
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1996 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 104-168, §501(d), July 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 1461, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 6343 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [July 30, 1996]."
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1990 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 101-508, §11317(c), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388-458, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 6502 of this title] shall apply to-"(1) taxes assessed after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 5, 1990], and"(2) taxes assessed on or before such date if the period specified in section 6502 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (determined without regard to the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending section 6502 of this title]) for collection of such taxes has not expired as of such date."
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1988 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 100-647, title I, §1015(s)(2), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3573, provided that: "The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 10, 1988]."
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1986 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 99-514, title XV, §1569(b), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2764, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 22, 1986]."
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1978 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 95-600, title VII, §702(q)(3), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2938, as amended by Pub. L. 99-514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095, provided that:"(A) The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply with respect to liens, other security interests, and other interests in real property acquired after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 6, 1978]."(B) If, after the date of the enactment of this Act, there is a change in the application (or nonapplication) of section 6323(f)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [formerly I.R.C. 1954] (as amended by paragraph (1)) with respect to any filing jurisdiction, such change shall apply only with respect to liens, other security interests, and other interests in real property acquired after the date of such change."
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1976 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 1202(h)(2) of Pub. L. 94-455 effective Jan. 1, 1977, see section 1202(i) of Pub. L. 94-455, set out as a note under section 6103 of this title.Pub. L. 94-455, title XX, §2008(d)(3), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1893, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (c) [amending this section] shall take effect- "(A) in the case of liens filed before the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 4, 1976], on the 270th day after such date of enactment, or"(B) in the case of liens filed on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 4, 1976], on the 120th day after such date of enactment."
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1966 AMENDMENTS Pub. L. 89-719, title I, §114(a)-(c), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1146, 1147, provided that:"(a) GENERAL RULE.-Except as otherwise provided, the amendments made by this title [enacting sections 3505, 7425, 7426, and 7810 of this title, amending this section, sections 545, 6322, 6324, 6325, 6331, 6332, 6334, 6335, 6337, 6338, 6339, 6342, 6343, 6502, 6503, 6532, 7402, 7403, 7421, 7424, 7505, 7506, and 7809 of this title, and section 270a of former Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, redesignating former section 7425 as 7427 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 7424 of this title] shall apply after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 2, 1966], regardless of when a lien or a title of the United States arose or when the lien or interest of any other person was acquired."(b) EXCEPTIONS.-The amendments made by this title shall not apply in any case-"(1) in which a lien or a title derived from enforcement of a lien held by the United States has been enforced by a civil action or suit which has become final by judgment, sale, or agreement before the date of enactment of this Act; or "(2) in which such amendments would-"(A) impair a priority enjoyed by any person (other than the United States) holding a lien or interest prior to the date of enactment of this Act;"(B) operate to increase the liability of any such person; or"(C) shorten the time for bringing suit with respect to transactions occurring before the date of enactment of this Act."(c) LIABILITY FOR WITHHELD TAXES.-"(1) The amendments made by section 105(a) (relating to effect on third parties) [adding section 3505 of this title] shall apply only with respect to wages paid on or after January 1, 1967. "(2) The amendments made by section 105(b) (relating to performance bonds of contractors for public buildings or works) [amending section 270a of former Title 40] shall apply to contracts entered into pursuant to invitations for bids issued after June 30, 1967."Pub. L. 89-493, §21, July 5, 1966, 80 Stat. 266, provided that: "This Act [amending this section] shall take effect on the first day of the first month which is at least ninety days after the date of approval of this Act [July 5, 1966]."
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1964 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 88-272, title II, §236(d), Feb. 26, 1964, 78 Stat. 128, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 6324 of this title] shall apply only with respect to purchases made after the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 26, 1964.]"
- Internal Revenue Code of 1986
- The term "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" means this title, and the term "Internal Revenue Code of 1939" means the Internal Revenue Code enacted February 10, 1939, as amended.
- Secretary
- The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate.
- State
- The term "State" shall be construed to include the District of Columbia, where such construction is necessary to carry out provisions of this title.
- corporation
- The term "corporation" includes associations, joint-stock companies, and insurance companies.
- levy
- The term "levy" includes the power of distraint and seizure by any means.
- person
- The term "person" shall be construed to mean and include an individual, a trust, estate, partnership, association, company or corporation.
- stock
- The term "stock" includes shares in an association, joint-stock company, or insurance company.
- taxpayer
- The term "taxpayer" means any person subject to any internal revenue tax.
- trade or business
- The term "trade or business" includes the performance of the functions of a public office.
- transaction
- The term "transaction" includes a series of transactions.