A tax lien is a legal claim that a government makes against a property when the owner fails to pay their taxes. This claim ensures that the government can collect the owed taxes, and it can affect the property owner's credit score. If the taxes remain unpaid, the government may eventually sell the lien to recover the owed amount. When a tax lien is placed on a property, it can prevent the owner from selling or refinancing the property until the debt is settled. Property owners can often resolve a tax lien by paying the owed taxes, including any penalties and interest, to clear the claim.