A county tax lien is put against a house when the owners become delinquent in paying property taxes on the home. Tax liens can also be put on personal property, for instance, if income taxes have not been paid. If a lien is imposed on any property, real or personal, it will remain until the taxes are paid. If the property is sold, the taxes owed are taken from the money from the sale. Tax liens not only affect property, but they damage credit scores as well. Notices are usually sent concerning the lien and after a given number of notices, if the tax is not paid, the property is then usually sold by the government or the lien holder. Working, or attempting to work with the lien holder is suggested but if there is a discrepancy of any kind or if an owner feels the lien is unjustified, they can hire an attorney to look into the matter for them. Sometimes, liens can be settled for less that what is actually owed on a lien. If a notice has been received and the property owner has tried working with the lien holder, unsuccessfully, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. Most of the time, liens involve possessions of great value such as homes which no one can afford to lose.