Under new IRS guidelines, you can remove a tax lien from your credit history. The IRS could place a tax lien on homes, cars, or businesses, as a way to attempt to recover any taxes owed. In past years, an IRS lien that was paid off would still stay on your credit history for seven years (or even longer), dramatically impacting your credit score.

Ask the IRS for a certificate of withdrawal and send copies of that form to the three major credit bureaus. Wait a month and check your credit report to make sure the tax lien has been removed. If not, contact the credit bureau. While you’re at it, take a copy of the certificate of withdrawal to your city or county clerk’s office and ask them to remove the lien from their records, too.