If you fail to pay your state taxes or resolve the past due balance within a reasonable time, the tax bureau in your state likely will issue a tax warrant in your name. This not only creates a public record of the tax debt, but also creates a lien on your real and personal property, such as cars, homes and cash in your bank accounts. The tax warrant typically is filed in every county where you have property.
Consequences of Tax Warrant
Although being hit with a tax warrant will not result in your arrest, it is likely to show up on your credit report and title searches, in local newspapers and business journals, and on the tax bureau's website. This is in addition to potential property loss. You also can have your wages garnished, your property seized and sold at public auction, and bank accounts levied. Interest, penalties and collection costs also are added on to your original tax debt. The way to avoid a tax warrant is to contact the state and resolve any outstanding tax balances as soon as possible. If a tax warrant already exists, the state will remove the lien once the tax bill is paid in full.