Guides
These guides explain the rules behind liens, lien waivers and sales tax registration, state by state. Each one cites the statute or the state agency page it relies on and links to the full rules for each state. They are general information, not legal advice.
Mechanics liens
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Mechanics Lien Deadlines by State
The lien filing deadline, notice rules and enforcement period for every state in one table.
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Preliminary Notice Requirements by State
Who must send a preliminary notice in each state, the deadline, the recipients and the delivery method.
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How to File a Mechanics Lien
The steps from first notice to release, and the states that add or change a step.
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Notice of Intent to Lien Explained
What the notice is, the states that require one, their lead times and how to send it.
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What to Do When a Contractor or Owner Does Not Pay
The escalation ladder for unpaid subs and suppliers, from demand letter to lien suit.
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How to Release a Mechanics Lien
Release deadlines and penalties for 20 states, plus who signs and where it is recorded.
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Mechanics Lien Deadline Mistakes and What to Do After One
Seven ways claimants lose lien rights, and the options left after a missed deadline.
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Lien waivers
Sales tax
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Economic Nexus Thresholds by State
The remote seller threshold for every state with a sales tax, with the measurement period and the agency.
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When Do You Need a Sales Tax Permit
Physical presence, economic nexus, marketplace sales, events and the five states with no general sales tax.
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Sales Tax Registration Checklist
The documents and details to gather, the usual timeline, bonds, filing frequency and your first return.
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Resale certificates
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Seller's Permit vs Resale Certificate
What each document does, who issues it, what sellers must keep, misuse penalties and the multistate forms.
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How to Fill Out Texas Form 01-339
Who can use the Texas resale certificate, each field on the form, the exemption side, and misuse penalties.
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