Lien and judgment searches, targeted by party and jurisdiction
Federal and state tax liens, civil judgments, and statutory liens, searched in the offices where they are actually recorded. Tell us the parties and jurisdictions, and you get a clear result for each one.
What we search
- Federal tax liens
- State tax liens
- Civil judgments and judgment liens
- Statutory liens recorded against the party, such as mechanics' liens, where the county indexes them
- Copies of each lien or judgment found, on request
Order only what your checklist calls for. Need UCC or litigation searches on the same parties? Add them to the same order, and we deliver everything together by party and jurisdiction.
Where liens are filed
The right office depends on the type of lien, the type of debtor, and state law. A federal tax lien against a business is often filed with the Secretary of State, while one against an individual is often recorded with the county. Judgments are usually recorded at the county level. We confirm the right offices for each party before the search runs, so nothing is missed because it was filed somewhere unexpected.
What to send us
- The exact name of each party, and whether it is an entity or an individual
- The state and county for each search
- Which searches you need: federal tax lien, state tax lien, judgment, statutory lien
- Any date range your legal team has set
- Whether you need copies of each record found
- Your closing or funding date
What you receive
A summary for each party and office listing every lien or judgment found, with its filing number, filing date, creditor, and the amount and status shown on the record, followed by copies when requested. Clean results are reported as clean, with the source and through date, so the file shows what was checked and not only what was found.
We report records as they appear in the public index. We do not determine the validity, priority, or legal effect of any lien or judgment; those are decisions for your legal team.
Common questions
Do lien searches include UCC filings?
No. UCC financing statements are a separate search. Add a UCC search to the same order and we deliver both together.
Where is a federal tax lien filed?
It depends on the debtor and on state law. Against a corporation or partnership, it is generally filed in the state of its principal executive office, often with the Secretary of State. Against an individual, it is generally filed where the person lives, often with the county recorder. We confirm the correct office for each party.
How far back do lien and judgment searches go?
It depends on the office’s index and on the scope your legal team sets. If an office’s records do not reach back far enough, we tell you before the search runs and explain the options.
Have a search or filing due this week?
Send it now. A person confirms scope, cost, and timing the same business day.
orders@legacysearchfile.com