AI-assisted research summary: If a liable motor carrier does not pay the tax, the state gets a lien on the carrier’s property. The lien lasts until the tax and related charges are paid or the tax becomes barred, and the department may issue a release after payment.
320.409 Tax lien on property.—If any motor carrier liable for the tax imposed by this chapter neglects or refuses to pay it, the amount of the tax, including any interest, penalty, or addition to the tax, with any cost that may accrue in addition thereto, shall be a lien in favor of the state upon all franchises, property, and rights to property, whether real or personal, then belonging to or thereafter acquired by the motor carrier, whether the property is employed by the motor carrier in the prosecution of business or is in the hands of an assignee, trustee, or receiver for the benefit of creditors, from the date the taxes are due and payable. The lien shall have priority over any lien or encumbrance whatsoever, except the lien of other state taxes having priority by law, and except that the lien shall not be valid as against any bona fide mortgagee, pledgee, judgment creditor, or purchaser whose rights attached before the time when the department filed claim of lien, for which no filing fee shall be required, in the office of the clerk of the circuit court of the county where the principal place of business of the motor carrier is located or, if the motor carrier has no principal place of business in the state, in the office of the Department of State. The lien shall continue until the amount of the tax, with any penalties and interest subsequently accruing, is paid or until the tax is barred under chapter 95. The department may issue a certificate of release of lien when the amount of the tax, with any penalties and interest subsequently accruing thereon, has been satisfied by the motor carrier, and the motor carrier may record it with the clerk of the circuit court of the county where the claim of lien was filed.