A tax lien is a lien taken out against your property by the government. It can be municipal, county, state or federal governments who implement this measure. A tax lien is undertaken as a result of the property owner's inability or failure to pay taxes. It may be granted through a Tax Lien Certificate (TLC). If, however, certain conditions are met, the debtor will achieve release of a tax lien. In most instances, release of a tax lien involves payment of the debt. The sum requested will include the delinquent taxes as well as the penalties and any incurring interest. There are many different ways to enforce a tax lien. Three are several ways to achieve release. An individual may ask for a tax abatement on "reasonable cause." The debtor may be able to arrange for an agreement. This can involve partial or complete payment. The involved party may also withdraw the action in the interests or speeding up payment. A tax lien appears on your credit record. Release of a tax lien from your credit report takes 7 years.