Note
A government entity’s legal claim against a noncompliant taxpayer’s assets. Tax liens are a final resort to force a business or individual to pay back taxes. To get a lien removed, the taxpayer should pay what she or he owes, have the debt dismissed in bankruptcy court or even get to an offer in compromise with the tax authorities. Federal and state governments might place tax liens for state income or unpaid federal taxes, while local governments might place tax liens for unpaid property or local income taxes.