Tax liens can affect how potential lenders view your creditworthiness. Some lenders may decide not to extend credit to you at all if you have a multitude of negative marks, such as tax liens. This is why it’s always important to pay bills, including any taxes, on time.
A tax lien is placed on individuals who haven’t paid taxes at the local, state or federal level. Often this is for personal income tax, but it can also include other governmental taxes such as property tax. When you neglect or refuse to fully pay your tax debt on time, a lien is created. This means the government has a legal claim against your property, including real estate, personal property and financial assets.
Tax liens will appear on your credit report and could negatively affect your credit. How much a tax lien will affect your credit varies from person to person.
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