Property Records Search

Spartanburg Property Tax: Fast Relief & Accurate Calculator

Spartanburg Property Tax impacts every homeowner and business owner in the county, so knowing the South Carolina property tax rates and the Spartanburg tax payment deadlines can save money and stress. The Spartanburg tax assessor office offers an online property tax bill and a Spartanburg property tax calculator that instantly shows your residential property tax assessment or commercial property tax amount. If you qualify, the property tax exemptions Spartanburg program and the Spartanburg homestead exemption eligibility can reduce your bill dramatically. Should your assessment seem high, the how to appeal property tax Spartanburg guide explains steps to request a review and avoid Spartanburg tax delinquency penalties. Quick contact with the Spartanburg county tax office contact center at (864) 596-2544 helps you confirm details and plan payments.

Spartanburg Property Tax relief options include property tax relief programs Spartanburg that target seniors, veterans, and low‑income families, plus a property tax refund process Spartanburg for over‑paid amounts. The Spartanburg tax parcel viewer and property tax district maps Spartanburg let you see exact boundaries and compare neighboring parcels. For investors, the property tax sale listings Spartanburg and Spartanburg tax lien information reveal opportunities before they disappear. The Spartanburg County Assessor’s Office website and direct public search portal provide the latest data, ensuring you stay ahead of any changes. Use these resources to keep your tax bill accurate and your finances secure.

Search Spartanburg County Property Tax

Spartanburg County property tax records are available through the official Spartanburg County Assessor’s Office. The public search portal gives residents, investors, and businesses direct access to assessment data, ownership history, and tax obligations. Users can locate parcels by owner name, parcel number, or physical address through the county’s online information system.

To begin a search, visit the Spartanburg County public information portal at https://infoportal.spartanburgcounty.org. The portal loads a map-based interface where users can type an address or parcel ID into the search field. After locating a parcel, the system displays the current assessed value, tax year, and any exemptions applied to the property.

For deed and transaction records, the Spartanburg County Register of Deeds maintains a separate searchable database at https://search.spartanburgdeeds.com/. Users searching property tax history often cross-reference both portals to verify ownership transfers and confirm tax responsibility dates. The two systems work together to provide a complete picture of any parcel within county boundaries.

Step-by-Step Search Method

  1. Open the Spartanburg County InfoPortal at https://infoportal.spartanburgcounty.org.
  2. Select the “Property Search” tab from the main menu.
  3. Enter the parcel number, property address, or owner name.
  4. Review the assessment summary, which includes land value, improvement value, and total taxable value.
  5. Click on the “Tax Information” link to view the current tax bill, payment status, and any delinquent amounts.
  6. For ownership history, switch to https://search.spartanburgdeeds.com/ and search the same parcel or owner name.

Spartanburg Property Tax Rates and How They Work

Spartanburg property tax rates reflect South Carolina’s county-based assessment system combined with local municipal millage rates. Each year, the Spartanburg County Assessor’s Office determines the fair market value of every parcel, and overlapping taxing authorities apply their respective millage. A mill equals one dollar of tax for every one thousand dollars of assessed value, and the combined mills produce the final tax bill.

South Carolina law requires counties to reassess properties every five years, with the most recent countywide reassessment in Spartanburg County updating values to reflect current market conditions. Property owners receive a notice of assessment each year, and the value listed on that notice drives the tax calculation. Owners who disagree with the value can pursue the formal appeal process through the county assessor.

Local millage comes from multiple sources, including the county general fund, school districts, special purpose districts, and any municipal levy where the property sits within city limits. The total rate varies by location, and a parcel in the city of Spartanburg often carries a different combined millage than one in an unincorporated area. Property tax calculators on the county portal help residents preview their annual obligations.

Key Components of a Spartanburg Tax Bill

  • Assessed value: The county-assigned value of land and improvements.
  • Millage rate: The combined rate applied by all taxing authorities.
  • Exemptions: Reductions for homestead, veteran, or senior status.
  • Special assessments: Charges for fire service, lighting, or drainage districts.
  • Penalties and interest: Added amounts for late payment or delinquency.

Sample Millage Breakdown Table

Taxing AuthorityTypical Millage RangeApplies To
Spartanburg County General FundApproximate range set annuallyAll county parcels
School District OperationsSet by district boardsAll parcels within district
City of SpartanburgApplies within city limitsParcels inside municipal boundary
Special Purpose DistrictsVaries by service areaParcels in fire, lighting, or water districts

Residential Property Tax Assessment Process

Residential property tax assessment in Spartanburg County follows a mass appraisal model that groups similar properties and applies consistent valuation methods. The Spartanburg County Assessor’s Office collects data on sales, building permits, and property characteristics to produce accurate market values. Appraisers review physical attributes such as square footage, lot size, construction quality, and condition ratings.

Homeowners receive an annual assessment notice listing the prior year value, the current year value, and any changes in classification. The notice also indicates the appraisal date of record, which is critical for appeal deadlines. South Carolina uses a four-year sales average to smooth market swings, and the appraisal date falls within that lookback period.

New construction triggers a supplemental assessment, and the assessor adds the value of completed improvements to the parcel record. Property owners can review their record card online through the InfoPortal to confirm that building data matches reality. Discrepancies in the record, such as missing features or incorrect dimensions, often form the basis for a successful appeal.

Items Reviewed During a Residential Assessment

  • Living area, basements, and finished attic space
  • Garage, carport, and outbuilding count
  • Land size, topography, and road frontage
  • Construction grade, age, and condition
  • Recent sales of comparable properties in the same neighborhood

Commercial Property Tax Considerations

Commercial property tax in Spartanburg County applies to office buildings, retail centers, warehouses, hotels, and rental apartment complexes of five units or more. The county assessor values income-producing properties using the income approach, which considers gross income, vacancy rates, and operating expenses. Capitalization rates are derived from local market data and applied to net operating income to estimate value.

Owners of commercial property must file an income and expense statement with the assessor when requested, and failure to comply can trigger a valuation based on the best available data. The assessor may also use the cost approach for newer properties or the sales comparison approach when comparable sales exist. The three approaches are reconciled to arrive at a final assessed value.

Depreciation tables from the assessor’s office guide commercial valuations by accounting for effective age, functional obsolescence, and external obsolescence. Properties with high vacancy or below-market rents often see lower assessed values through the income approach. Commercial owners seeking relief should gather rent rolls, operating statements, and recent appraisals before filing an appeal.

Commercial Valuation Methods Table

MethodBest Used ForKey Data Inputs
Income ApproachOffice, retail, multifamily rentalsGross income, expenses, cap rate
Cost ApproachNew construction, special-use buildingsReplacement cost, depreciation
Sales ComparisonProperties with recent comparable salesSale prices, adjustments, time trends

Property Tax Exemptions and Homestead Eligibility

Property tax exemptions in Spartanburg County reduce the taxable value of a parcel for qualifying owners, and the homestead exemption is the most common benefit. South Carolina law allows owner-occupied homeowners to claim the homestead exemption, which exempts the first portion of fair market value from school operating taxes. The exemption follows state law and applies automatically once approved by the assessor.

To qualify for homestead exemption eligibility, a property must be the owner’s legal residence and the owner must hold fee simple title, life estate, or partial ownership. New residents should file the homestead application with the Spartanburg County Assessor’s Office at 366 N Church St, Main Level, Suite 800, Spartanburg, SC 29303. The form requires a South Carolina driver’s license, vehicle registration, and voter registration showing the property address.

Additional exemptions include the veteran exemption, which benefits disabled veterans with service-connected disabilities, and the elderly exemption, which lowers school operating taxes for homeowners over sixty-five with limited income. Agricultural use property receives a special assessment based on productive value rather than market value, and owners of timberland can apply for a separate classification.

Common Exemptions Available

  • Homestead exemption for primary residence owners
  • Veteran exemption for documented service-connected disability
  • Elderly exemption for low-income seniors aged sixty-five or older
  • Agricultural use classification for working farms
  • Manufacturing and inventory exemptions for qualifying businesses

Exemption Benefit Comparison Table

Exemption TypeEligibility RequirementTax Reduction
HomesteadOwner-occupied primary residenceReduces school operating tax on first portion of value
VeteranService-connected disability ratingFull exemption on primary residence up to statutory limit
ElderlyAge sixty-five and income limitSchool operating tax reduction based on income tier
AgriculturalWorking farm with five or more acresValuation based on productive use

How to Appeal Property Tax in Spartanburg

Appealing property tax in Spartanburg County begins with a careful review of the assessment notice and the data card on file with the assessor’s office. Property owners should compare the assessed value to recent sales of similar homes in the same neighborhood and gather evidence of any errors in the property record. The deadline to file an appeal is printed on the assessment notice and falls within ninety days of the mailing date.

The appeal form can be filed online through the Spartanburg County InfoPortal or submitted in person at the assessor’s office. The form asks for the parcel number, the requested value, and the grounds for the appeal. Supporting documents such as a recent appraisal, comparable sales, or photographs of property defects can strengthen the case.

After the appeal is filed, the assessor’s office reviews the evidence and may issue a revised value or uphold the original assessment. If the owner remains dissatisfied, the next step is a hearing before the Spartanburg County Board of Assessment Appeals, a three-member panel that conducts formal proceedings. Further appeal rights extend to the South Carolina Administrative Law Court and ultimately to the Court of Common Pleas.

Appeal Process Steps

  1. Review the assessment notice and property record card for errors.
  2. Gather comparable sales, appraisals, or photographs supporting your value.
  3. Complete the appeal form through the assessor’s office or online portal.
  4. Attend the informal review with the assessor’s staff.
  5. Request a hearing before the Board of Assessment Appeals if the issue remains unresolved.
  6. Pursue further review through the Administrative Law Court when needed.

Spartanburg Tax Payment Deadlines and Delinquency Penalties

Spartanburg tax payment deadlines follow a state-mandated schedule, and property taxes are due in a single annual installment unless the county offers an early payment discount. The standard due date for South Carolina property taxes falls on January 15 in the year following the tax year, and payments postmarked after that date incur penalties and interest. Property owners who pay early in the discount window receive a small reduction as an incentive.

Tax delinquency penalties begin accruing on the sixteenth of the month following the due date and continue to grow each month the bill remains unpaid. South Carolina law sets the penalty rate, and interest compounds monthly at the federal short-term rate plus a statutory percentage. Properties that remain delinquent for multiple years can face a tax sale, at which point the Spartanburg County Treasurer’s office auctions the lien to investors.

To avoid delinquency, property owners can pay in person at the Spartanburg County Treasurer’s office, mail a check, or submit payment through the county’s online payment portal. The online system accepts credit card and electronic check payments for a small convenience fee. A receipt is generated immediately for online payments and serves as proof of timely payment.

Delinquency Penalty Schedule

  • Day one to month end: Initial penalty applies at the statutory rate.
  • Each additional month: Penalty increases by the monthly rate.
  • Interest: Accrues monthly on the unpaid balance.
  • Tax sale: Triggered after prolonged nonpayment per South Carolina law.

Key Deadlines Table

EventTypical DateAction Required
Discount window opensOctober of tax yearPay early for discount
Tax bill mailingOctober to NovemberReview assessment and bill
Standard due dateJanuary 15Pay full amount to avoid penalty
Delinquency beginsJanuary 16Penalty and interest start accruing

Online Property Tax Bill and Calculator Access

The online property tax bill system in Spartanburg County allows residents to view current charges, payment history, and amounts due. The county’s InfoPortal displays the bill in a printable format, and the same portal links to a secure payment gateway. After payment confirmation, the system archives the receipt for future reference.

The Spartanburg property tax calculator helps homeowners estimate their annual tax bill using the current millage and assessed value. To use the calculator, enter the parcel number or address, and the system pulls the latest assessment and exemption data. The output shows the estimated tax amount based on the millage set by each overlapping taxing authority.

Commercial property owners can use the same calculator to preview tax obligations across multiple parcels. The tool supports side-by-side comparisons, which helps investors analyze potential acquisitions. Calculated values are estimates, and the official bill from the Treasurer’s office remains the binding amount due.

Using the Online Tax Tools

  1. Navigate to https://infoportal.spartanburgcounty.org.
  2. Search the parcel by address, owner, or parcel ID.
  3. Open the parcel record to view assessed value and exemptions.
  4. Launch the tax calculator to estimate the current year bill.
  5. Click “Pay Now” to submit payment through the secure gateway.
  6. Download or print the receipt for your records.

Property Tax Relief Programs for Spartanburg Residents

Property tax relief programs in Spartanburg help fixed-income households, veterans, and low-income families reduce their annual tax burden. The homestead exemption already lowers school operating taxes for owner-occupied homes, and additional programs build on that foundation. Applications for these programs are submitted to the Spartanburg County Assessor’s Office at 366 N Church St, Main Level, Suite 800, Spartanburg, SC 29303.

Senior citizens aged sixty-five and older may qualify for the elderly exemption, which reduces the school operating portion of the bill for those whose household income falls below the annual cap. The income threshold is set by the South Carolina Department of Revenue and updated each year. Qualifying seniors should file the application before the published deadline to ensure the benefit applies to the current year tax bill.

Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can claim a full exemption on their primary residence, subject to statutory limits. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may also be eligible. The Tax Assessor office processes these applications with required supporting documentation, including the VA letter and proof of ownership.

Relief Program Eligibility Summary

  • Homestead exemption: Available to all owner-occupied primary residences
  • Elderly exemption: Age sixty-five with income below state cap
  • Veteran exemption: Service-connected disability documentation required
  • Surviving spouse benefit: Extends veteran exemption when applicable
  • Payment plans: Available for hardship cases through the Treasurer’s office

Spartanburg Tax Lien and Delinquent Property Tax Sale Information

Spartanburg tax lien information is public record and reveals properties facing a tax sale due to unpaid taxes. The Spartanburg County Treasurer’s office publishes a list of delinquent parcels each year before the tax sale, and the list becomes available for review in the weeks leading up to the auction. Investors and buyers use this list to research potential purchases and bid on the liens.

At the tax sale, the winning bidder purchases the lien rather than the property itself, and the original owner retains a redemption period during which they can pay the back taxes plus interest to reclaim the lien. If the owner fails to redeem, the lien holder can begin foreclosure proceedings after the redemption period expires. South Carolina law sets the interest rate on tax sale certificates, and the rate applies to the buyer’s investment.

Property tax sale listings Spartanburg also serve as a public record of ownership and tax status, and many researchers check the lists before purchasing real estate. A clean title search through the Register of Deeds confirms whether any liens remain outstanding. Buyers can access deed records at https://search.spartanburgdeeds.com/ to verify chain of title.

Tax Sale Process Highlights

  1. County publishes the delinquent parcel list before the sale date.
  2. Bidding opens at the advertised minimum, which includes taxes, penalties, and costs.
  3. Winning bidder receives a tax sale certificate.
  4. Original owner has a redemption period to pay the lien plus interest.
  5. If unredeemed, the lien holder can petition for foreclosure.

Tax Sale Stakeholder Roles Table

StakeholderRole in Tax SalePrimary Concern
Delinquent OwnerSubject of the lienRedeem or lose the property
Lien BuyerInvestor purchasing the certificateEarn interest and recover capital
Treasurer’s OfficeConducts the auction and tracks liensCollect outstanding tax revenue
Register of DeedsRecords transfers after foreclosureMaintain accurate title records

Property Tax Refund Process for Overpaid Amounts

The property tax refund process in Spartanburg County allows property owners to recover overpaid amounts when an appeal, exemption, or assessment correction reduces the bill. The Tax Assessor’s office reviews the change and notifies the Treasurer’s office of the revised value. The Treasurer then issues a refund for the difference between the original payment and the corrected amount.

To request a refund, the property owner should confirm that the assessment change is final and that the original tax bill was paid in full. The refund request form is available through the Spartanburg County Assessor’s Office or the Treasurer’s office. Supporting documents include the original bill, proof of payment, and any appeal decision letter.

Refunds for homestead or veteran exemptions are processed automatically once the exemption is approved and applied. The county recalculates the bill and credits the difference to the owner’s account. If the credit exceeds the amount owed, the Treasurer’s office issues a check to the property owner.

Refund Request Steps

  • Confirm the assessment correction or exemption approval is final.
  • Submit the refund request form to the Treasurer’s office.
  • Attach proof of original payment and supporting documents.
  • Track the refund through the Treasurer’s office or the InfoPortal.
  • Contact the Treasurer’s office if the refund is delayed past the expected date.

Spartanburg Tax Parcel Viewer and District Maps

The Spartanburg tax parcel viewer is part of the county’s GIS-based InfoPortal, which displays parcel boundaries, road networks, and aerial photography. Users can zoom to a specific address, click on a parcel, and view ownership, assessed value, and tax status. The viewer also includes a measurement tool for measuring land area and a layer selector for displaying school districts, fire districts, and voting precincts.

Property tax district maps Spartanburg reveal which special purpose districts apply to a given parcel, including fire service areas, water districts, and lighting districts. These districts add their own millage to the tax bill, and the map view helps property owners understand the full picture of their annual charges. Researchers and buyers rely on district maps to confirm service availability before closing.

To access the parcel viewer, navigate to https://infoportal.spartanburgcounty.org and click the map icon. The viewer opens in a new tab and provides standard navigation controls plus a search bar. The same viewer supports printing of map snapshots for use in appeals or property listings.

Map Layers Available in the Viewer

  • Parcel boundaries with owner and parcel ID labels
  • School district boundaries for each public school zone
  • Fire district boundaries for emergency service millage
  • Special purpose district overlays for water, sewer, and lighting
  • Aerial photography for visual context and verification

South Carolina Tax Collector Duties and Spartanburg Treasurer Role

South Carolina tax collector duties fall to the elected Treasurer in each county, and the Spartanburg County Treasurer’s office handles billing, collection, and enforcement of property taxes. The Treasurer mails tax bills, processes payments, applies exemptions forwarded by the Assessor, and conducts the annual tax sale. The office also maintains payment records and issues refunds for overpayments.

The Treasurer’s office works closely with the Assessor’s office to ensure that assessment data and exemption status are reflected accurately on each bill. When a parcel changes ownership, the Register of Deeds records the new deed, and the Treasurer updates the billing record. This three-office partnership keeps the property tax system accurate and current.

Property owners who experience financial hardship can contact the Treasurer’s office to discuss payment arrangements. South Carolina law allows installment agreements in some cases, and the office may pause collection action when an active appeal is under review. Communication with the Treasurer’s office at the earliest sign of difficulty often prevents escalation to a tax sale.

Three-Office Property Tax Workflow

  1. Tax Assessor determines the value of every parcel and approves exemptions.
  2. Register of Deeds records deeds and other ownership documents.
  3. Treasurer bills, collects, and enforces payment of property taxes.

Spartanburg Property Tax Records: Where to Find the Data

Spartanburg property tax records sit in two main databases that work together to provide a complete record of every parcel. The Assessor’s InfoPortal at https://infoportal.spartanburgcounty.org holds current assessment, exemption, and tax status data, and the Register of Deeds portal at https://search.spartanburgdeeds.com/ holds ownership history, mortgages, and liens. Reviewing both sources produces a full picture of any property’s tax situation.

Researchers studying market trends can pull historical assessment data from the InfoPortal and compare year-over-year changes. Title companies use the Register of Deeds database to verify legal descriptions and confirm that no tax liens cloud a title. Homebuyers benefit from cross-referencing both sources before closing to confirm the parcel’s tax status and ownership history.

For data not available online, the public can visit the Spartanburg County offices at 366 N Church St, Spartanburg, SC 29303. The Assessor’s office sits on the Main Level in Suite 800, and the Register of Deeds sits on the Main Level in Suite 100. Staff can assist with record searches that exceed the capability of the online tools.

Frequently Asked Spartanburg Property Tax Questions Addressed

Property owners often ask whether they can pay property taxes in installments, and the answer depends on the year and the county’s published schedule. South Carolina law permits installment payment plans under specific conditions, and the Spartanburg County Treasurer’s office can confirm current options. Property owners who want to pay early can do so during the discount window for a small reduction.

Another common question concerns the difference between fair market value and assessed value, and the answer is that South Carolina counties use a market-based standard tied to the four-year sales average. Assessed value may differ from a private appraisal because the assessor relies on mass appraisal data, while private appraisers evaluate individual properties. The distinction matters during an appeal.

Property owners also ask how long the appeal process takes, and the timeline varies based on the complexity of the case. An informal review with the Assessor can produce a result within weeks, while a formal hearing before the Board of Assessment Appeals can take several months. Cases that reach the Administrative Law Court often extend beyond a year before resolution.

Tips for Reducing Spartanburg Property Tax Bills

Reducing a Spartanburg property tax bill starts with making sure the Assessor’s record is accurate, and property owners should review the record card each year. Errors in square footage, room count, or feature data can inflate the assessed value, and corrections often lead to reductions. The InfoPortal provides access to the record card, and the office can update verified corrections.

Claiming every available exemption is another way to lower the bill, and many homeowners overlook the homestead exemption when they move into a new property. New residents should file the homestead application soon after closing to ensure the exemption applies to the next tax year. Veterans and seniors should also check eligibility for additional exemptions each year as income limits change.

Supporting local school bonds and other ballot measures thoughtfully can affect future millage rates, and engaged voters help shape the tax environment. Property owners who pay attention to proposed millage increases can speak at public hearings and contact their elected representatives. Civic involvement, combined with personal record review, forms the strongest defense against unnecessary tax increases.

Bill Reduction Checklist

  • Review the Assessor record card for accuracy each year.
  • File the homestead exemption if owner-occupied.
  • Check eligibility for veteran, elderly, or agricultural exemptions.
  • Appeal the assessment when comparable sales support a lower value.
  • Pay during the discount window to save the early payment amount.

Contact, Local Details, and Map

For direct assistance with Spartanburg County property tax questions, the Assessor’s office and Register of Deeds are located in the same building. Both offices serve the public during standard business hours, and staff can answer questions on assessments, exemptions, appeals, deed records, and tax bills. Phone lines are open during the same hours, and callers should have their parcel number ready when calling.

Tax Assessor Contact

  • Department Name: Spartanburg County Assessor’s Office
  • Official Website URL: https://www.spartanburgcounty.org
  • Direct Public Search Portal Link: https://infoportal.spartanburgcounty.org
  • Main Phone: (864) 596-2544
  • Physical Address: 366 N Church St, Main Level, Suite 800, Spartanburg, SC 29303
  • Mailing Address: PO Box 5762, Spartanburg, SC 29304

Deed Recorder Contact

  • Department Name: Spartanburg County Register of Deeds
  • Official Website URL: https://www.spartanburgcounty.org
  • Direct Public Search Portal Link: https://search.spartanburgdeeds.com/
  • Main Phone: (864) 596-2514
  • Physical Address: 366 N Church St, Main Level, Suite 100, Spartanburg, SC 29303
  • Mailing Address: PO Box 5666, Spartanburg, SC 29304

Frequently Asked Questions

Spartanburg Property Tax matters affect every homeowner, business, and investor in the county. Knowing how to read your bill, where to find assessment data, and which exemptions apply can save money and avoid penalties. The following answers help you handle common tasks quickly and confidently.

How can I view my Spartanburg property tax bill online?

Visit the Spartanburg County Assessor’s public portal at https://infoportal.spartanburgcounty.org. Enter your parcel number, address, or owner name in the search box. The system displays the current bill, payment options, and any outstanding balances. You can print the page or pay directly with a credit card. This method works for residential and commercial parcels.

What are the payment deadlines for Spartanburg property taxes?

Taxes are due in two installments. The first half must be paid by November 15, and the second half by February 15 of the following year. Late payments incur a 5 % penalty plus interest. Mark these dates on your calendar to keep your account current and avoid additional charges.

Which exemptions can reduce my residential property tax in Spartanburg?

Homeowners may qualify for the Homestead Exemption, which lowers the assessed value by $5,000. Seniors, veterans, and disabled persons can receive additional reductions. To claim an exemption, submit a completed form to the Assessor’s Office before March 31. Include proof of eligibility, such as a driver’s license or military discharge papers.

How do I appeal a Spartanburg property tax assessment?

First, request a copy of the assessment notice from the Assessor’s Office. Then, file an appeal within 30 days using the online appeal portal or by mailing a written request to PO Box 5762. Attach supporting documents like recent sales data or a professional appraisal. A hearing will be scheduled, and the board will issue a revised decision.

Where can I find the tax parcel viewer for Spartanburg County?

The parcel viewer is located on the Assessor’s website under the “Maps & GIS” section. Enter the parcel number or click on the map to explore property boundaries, zoning, and tax district information. This tool helps investors verify land size and nearby amenities before buying.

What steps should I take if I receive a tax lien notice in Spartanburg?

Contact the County Tax Collector at (864) 596‑2544 right away. Ask for the exact amount owed and ask if a payment plan is possible. Pay the balance or arrange installments to lift the lien. After the lien is cleared, request a confirmation letter to keep for your records.