Taxes levied on a homeowner for their property to secure the payment of taxes. A tax lien may be imposed for delinquent taxes owed on property, or as a result of someone not paying their taxes. They are important, because you want to keep your house and property, and not get it seized. Tax liens are issued when the IRS decides to claim your assets as their own in lieu of you paying your income taxes. Tax liens can take your real property, empty your bank accounts, and seize your paychecks.