Tax Lien

The government doesn't take it lightly when you don't pay your taxes. When other people get mad at you, it's often not a big deal. You can irritate your dry cleaner by continually complaining about that spot they couldn't get out in 2013, but they don't have much recourse. However, agitate the government by not paying your taxes...and you're likely to stir some action.

One example of this comes in the form of a tax lien: a claim the government makes on your property in order to collect a late tax bill. If you continue to skip out on the taxes, the government can seize the property and sell it, raising the money needed. Also, the lien prevents you from selling the property out from under the government. Try to sell it, and the lien allows the government to get its share.