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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 7Ch. 14Art. 2§ 7171 State Tax Lien Notice

§ 7171 State Tax Lien Notice

Government Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 7171 State Tax Lien Notice

Key Takeaways

  • •If you owe the state money in taxes, they can put a legal claim (called a lien) on your stuff—like your house or car—so you can’t sell it without paying them first.
  • •The state has to officially record this claim with the county (for houses/land) or the Secretary of State (for other stuff like cars or bank accounts).
  • •The claim must include your name, how much you owe, and a warning that the state can take your stuff if you don’t pay.
  • •If you live out of state but own property in California, the state might charge extra fees to record the claim.

Example

You own a house in California but move to Nevada. You forget to pay your California state taxes for 3 years, and now you owe $5,000.

California can file a lien on your house in California, even though you live in Nevada. This means if you try to sell your house, you’ll have to pay the $5,000 first. The state will also charge you extra fees because they had to send the lien notice to your out-of-state address.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 7171 State Tax Lien Notice

(a) With respect to real property, at any time after creation of a state tax lien, the agency may record in the office of the county recorder of the county in which the real property is located a notice of state tax lien. (b) With respect to personal property, at any time after creation of a state tax lien, the agency may file a notice of state tax lien with the Secretary of State pursuant to Chapter 14.5 (commencing with Section 7220). (c) (1) The notice of state tax lien recorded or filed pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) shall include all of the following: (A) The name and last known address of the taxpayer. (B) The name of the agency giving notice of the lien. (C) The amount of the unpaid tax. (D) A statement that the amount of the unpaid tax is a lien on all real or personal property and rights to that property, including all after-acquired property and rights to property, belonging to the taxpayer. (E) A statement that the agency has complied with all of the provisions of the applicable law for determining and assessing the tax. (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 27390, the transmission, filing, recording, and indexing of notices of state tax liens recorded or filed pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b), and all documents that relate to or affect those liens, including, but not limited to, a release, an extension, or a subordination, by electronic or magnetic means using computerized data processing, telecommunications, the other similar information technologies available to the filing offices shall be permitted. A facsimile signature that complies with the requirements of paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 27201 shall be accepted on any document relating to a state tax lien filed or recorded pursuant to this paragraph. (d) If the notice of state tax lien recorded in any county reflects an out-of-state address as the last known address of the taxpayer, the agency shall pay the fees required by Sections 27361, 27361.2, 27361.4, and 27361.8. (e) The agency recording a notice of state tax lien pursuant to subdivision (d) may collect from the taxpayer, in any manner provided by law for the collection of the tax, the cost of recording. (Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 423, Sec. 1. Effective September 22, 2006.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

secretaryreleasenetclaimpropertyreal estatelienstatement

Related Statutes

  • § 7170 Tax Lien Property Attachment
  • § 26323 Bond Revenue Lien Protection
  • § 7190 Preexisting State Tax Liens
  • § 16190 Property Tax Deferral Triggers
  • § 23382 County Court Case Transfers

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 7171.
View Official Source