Tax Lien

What it means

A legal claim the government places on a property because the taxes have not been paid. The lien stays on the property until the debt is paid. If it is not paid within the time allowed, the government can take the property through a tax foreclosure and sell it. Interest and penalties add up over time.

When you might hear this

You hear this when property taxes have not been paid. The county puts a lien on the property, which means the debt is attached to the home itself — not just the person.

What to ask