The IRS has 30 days, according to its own rules, to release a tax lien once you pay or settle the debt. However, in reality this is something that is often overlooked. Unaware consumers may go for years before they notice the pesky tax lien still living on their credit reports as unpaid.
If you find an old tax lien that you already paid on your credit report, you should contact the IRS immediately to request a release to clear up the issue. Order three official copies of the release and take the initiative to send them to each of the three major credit reporting agencies. While the lien may still remain on your credit report for up to seven years, at least it will show as paid or satisfied debt.
