If you owe taxes to the IRS, a tax lien automatically arises against you and attaches to just about everything you own.  This is sometimes called a secret lien since the government’s claim does not initially appear in any public records.  Rather, the lien automatically comes into existence when the tax liability is assessed.  Eventually, if you do not pay the amount owed, you will get a letter in the mail demanding you pay the amount owed and stating that the IRS may file a notice of your tax debt in the public records offices where you live.  This notice is officially called the Notice of Federal Tax Lien. Learn More