Property taxpayers who have fallen behind in one North Carolina county might find their bank accounts drained by the county. People in Cleveland County who have delinquent tax bills might have their money taken by a process called bank account attachment.

While the county tax administrator says that the process is a last resort, after garnishing wages and redirecting state tax refunds, to collect the money owed to the county. However, more than 300 tax debts were satisfied last year by this method. It seems as though this particular municipality is using all the tools it has available via tax laws to collect money from property owners.

The county says that taking money directly out of taxpayers' bank accounts is only done after other notices of delinquency have been sent. At some point, a list of delinquent taxpayers is also published in the local newspaper of record. However, it still must be a shock to the affected people when a check unexpectedly bounces or an ATM card suddenly won't work.

Unfortunately, too many people ignore notices of delinquent taxes from county, state or federal tax agencies until such drastic methods come into play. By that time, it may be difficult if not impossible to negotiate with the proper authorities.

Ideally, a North Carolina taxpayer who is having issues with a tax authority will consult with an experienced tax attorney who will help navigate them to an amenable solution. Even if someone has been ignoring delinquent notices for some time, a tax lawyer may be able to help make the best of the situation.

Source: The Shelby Star, "Not paying your taxes? Watch that bank account," Corey Friedman, Jan. 23, 2012