Does Owing Money to the IRS Show Up in a Background Check?

Does Owing Money to the IRS Show Up in a Background Check?
Written By
Mark Kennan
Mark Kennan
Aug 25, 2011
1 minute read

Owing money to Uncle Sam is never good, and in some cases it could show up when your employer runs a background check. Most states permit employers to check your credit report as part of the background check. If the Internal Revenue Service has filed a lien against your property because you owe money, your prospective employer will see that.

IRS Liens for Unpaid Taxes

You generally have to owe a substantial amount before the IRS will go through the trouble of placing a lien on your property. According to H&R Block, the debt has to be at least $10,000. So, while there are other consequences, such as interest and penalties, for not paying your taxes on time and in full, it takes a large tax debt to show up on your credit report.

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