To say 2024 was a difficult year would be an understatement. Record-high inflation, rising interest rates, and lingering economic uncertainty have left a lasting impact on the financial health of many households.
This can be a painful realization during tax season, as many taxpayers must face their financial limits and write an uncomfortably-sized check to the federal government.
Even with the 2025 tax-filing deadline of April 15th, some taxpayers are finding themselves unable to pay the sum of what they owe. Have you found yourself past due on your 2024 income taxes? Keep reading to learn more about a federal tax lien, and how to find out if you’ve been affected.
What Is a Federal Tax Lien?
A federal tax lien is a government-issued notice that a taxpayer has unpaid tax debt. It arises when you fail to settle a past-due balance on your income or property taxes. While the term may conjure images of aggressive collections, foreclosure, or wage garnishment, a lien simply establishes the IRS’s legal claim against your assets until the debt is paid or otherwise resolved.
Real Consequences of an IRS Tax Lien
A tax lien can have serious repercussions for your financial health. These include:
- Negative impact on your credit score
- Delay or blockage of a home sale or refinancing
- Garnished wages
- A tax levy, or legal seizure of your property
Remember—locating and paying off your debt in full is always in your best interest, as the IRS will release a lien within 30 days of full payment. However, you may also be able to reduce the impact of a lien through an appeal, an Offer in Compromise, or by entering into an installment agreement.
How To Look Up a Federal Tax Lien
When the IRS intends to file a lien, they will first send you an official Notice of Federal Tax Lien demanding payment. Ten days after that notice is issued, the lien is filed in the county where you live or where your property is located.
Keep in mind that if your account is assigned to a revenue officer, you may be required to communicate directly—sometimes even in person—with IRS representatives.
If you have missed IRS notices or are unsure about your lien status, you can check these sources:
IRS Centralized Lien Unit
The IRS Centralized Lien Unit tracks lien filings and payments. You can call them at (800) 913-6050 for assistance.
Secretary of State’s Office
State filings often lag behind IRS records. If you can’t find your lien with the IRS, check your Secretary of State’s website for any recorded lien documents in your name.
Lexis Nexis RiskView Liens & Judgments Database
Federal tax liens are public record. If you have access to Lexis Nexis, the RiskView database provides detailed lien and judgment searches to help you identify any filings.
Depending on the type and timing of the filing, consulting a qualified tax professional can help you determine the best next steps—whether that’s disputing the lien, negotiating a payment plan, or pursuing other relief options.
Get Tax Relief
If you’re looking to remove a federal tax lien but are unable to locate all the details or pay it off in a lump sum, working with a tax firm specializing in relief strategies can be invaluable.
Need help stopping or avoiding a tax lien? Schedule a case review with one of our experienced professionals before the situation becomes unmanageable.
