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Federal tax liens: protect your property and your credit.

A federal tax lien is the government's legal claim against your property. It can make it hard to sell, refinance or borrow. There are ways to get it released, withdrawn or removed from specific property.

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The short answer

A federal tax lien attaches to all of your property when you owe the IRS and do not pay after notice and demand. The IRS publicly files a Notice of Federal Tax Lien to alert creditors. It releases the lien within 30 days after the balance is paid or becomes unenforceable, and it can withdraw the notice or discharge specific property in certain situations, such as a direct debit installment agreement or a property sale.

Lien versus levy

A lien is a claim that secures the government's interest in your property. A levy actually takes the property. You can have a lien without a levy, but both are signs that your account needs attention.

Ways to deal with a federal tax lien

  • Release. The IRS releases the lien within 30 days after the tax is paid in full or can no longer be collected.
  • Withdrawal. Removes the public Notice of Federal Tax Lien. It may be available once you enter a direct debit installment agreement on a balance of $25,000 or less, or when the notice was filed in error.
  • Discharge. Removes the lien from a specific property, often so a sale or refinance can close.
  • Subordination. Lets another creditor move ahead of the IRS, which can make a refinance or loan possible.
Selling or refinancing in Miami? A lien can hold up a closing. We work with your title company or lender and prepare the discharge or subordination request so the deal can move forward.

Reviewed by an Enrolled Agent at IRS Debt-Free ยท Updated September 2026

Common questions

Tax Liens FAQ

What is a federal tax lien?

It is the government's legal claim against all of your current and future property when you have an unpaid tax balance. The IRS files a public Notice of Federal Tax Lien so creditors know about the claim.

How do I get an IRS tax lien removed?

Pay the balance in full and the IRS releases it within 30 days. You may also qualify to have the public notice withdrawn, for example after entering a direct debit installment agreement on a balance of $25,000 or less.

Does a tax lien show up on my credit report?

The major credit bureaus no longer include tax liens on consumer credit reports, but liens are public records that lenders, title companies and background checks can still find.

Can I sell my house with an IRS tax lien?

Yes, in many cases. The IRS can issue a certificate of discharge for the property, usually in exchange for the sale proceeds it is entitled to. This needs to be requested well before closing.

What is the difference between lien release and lien withdrawal?

A release ends the lien after the debt is paid or unenforceable. A withdrawal removes the public notice as if it had not been filed, though you may still owe the tax.

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