Tax liens no longer appear on credit reports since 2018. Learn how this change affects you and how to address outstanding tax debt.
Difficulty: moderate
Typical Time to Fix: 30-90 days
Potential Score Impact: Varies by situation
Overview
As of 2018, tax liens no longer appear on credit reports due to stricter verification requirements. However, unpaid tax debt can still affect you through IRS collection actions, property liens, and wage garnishment.
Common Causes
Unpaid federal or state income taxes
Unfiled tax returns
Business tax obligations
Property tax delinquencies
Payroll tax issues
How to Remove — Step by Step
Verify Report Status: Tax liens should no longer appear on credit reports. If one appears, dispute it immediately.
Address Underlying Debt: Contact the IRS or state tax authority to understand your outstanding obligations.
Explore Payment Options: Consider installment agreements, offers in compromise, or currently not collectible status.
Request Lien Withdrawal: Once debt is addressed, request formal withdrawal of the tax lien from public records.
Dispute Any Reporting: If any tax lien appears on your credit report, dispute it as tax liens should not be reported.
Your Legal Rights Under the FCRA
Tax liens should not appear on credit reports (since 2018)
Right to appeal IRS collection actions
Right to payment plan arrangements
Taxpayer Bill of Rights protections
Innocent spouse relief in some cases
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tax liens affect my credit?
Tax liens no longer appear on credit reports since 2018, but can still affect you through IRS collection actions and property liens.
Can the IRS still collect?
Yes, the IRS has powerful collection tools including wage garnishment and bank levies, even without credit reporting.
How do I resolve tax debt?
Options include installment agreements, offers in compromise, currently not collectible status, or innocent spouse relief.
Consumers are protected by several federal laws when dealing with credit reporting issues related to remove tax liens:
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) — 15 U.S.C. §1681: Requires credit bureaus to maintain accurate information and investigate disputes within 30 days. Consumers can dispute inaccurate items directly with bureaus or furnishers.
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) — 15 U.S.C. §1692: Prohibits abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices. Collectors must validate debts upon request.
Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) — 15 U.S.C. §1679: Regulates credit repair companies and protects consumers from deceptive practices.
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Reviewed by Hemminger Law Firm, Consumer Rights Attorneys | Last reviewed: January 1, 2026
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