diff --git a/lisp/org-attach.el b/lisp/org-attach.el
index 8d01eda71..824af69da 100644
--- a/lisp/org-attach.el
+++ b/lisp/org-attach.el
@@ -513,9 +513,13 @@ DIR-property exists (that is different from the unset one)."
 (defun org-attach-tag (&optional off)
   "Turn the autotag on or (if OFF is set) off."
   (when org-attach-auto-tag
-    (save-excursion
-      (org-back-to-heading t)
-      (org-toggle-tag org-attach-auto-tag (if off 'off 'on)))))
+    ;; FIXME: There is currently no way to set #+FILETAGS
+    ;; programatically.  Do nothing when before first heading
+    ;; (attaching to file) to avoid blocking error.
+    (unless (org-before-first-heading-p)
+      (save-excursion
+        (org-back-to-heading t)
+        (org-toggle-tag org-attach-auto-tag (if off 'off 'on))))))
 
 (defun org-attach-untag ()
   "Turn the autotag off."