A legal claim placed on a person's property (i.e. car, home, etc) as security for a debt owed. This lien may be placed by a person who performed work and was never paid for that work. Property can not be sold until this lien is paid in full. Liens stay on a consumer's credit report indefinitely until paid; once paid, no longer than 7 years from the date paid.

• Tax Lien: These liens occur when state or federal taxes become delinquent and the government files a tax lien. These stay on a consumer's credit report indefinitely until paid; once paid, no longer than 7 years from the date paid.