Chances are, you or someone you know has been looking for a job this year. With businesses “right-sizing” and looking to cut costs, employment opportunities are scarce. Those who are hiring usually have their pick of a wide range of qualified applicants. So how do these employers narrow the field?

Some potential employers have been using credit checks as a means of screening applicants. From their point of view, it is a way to find out if someone is responsible; it is also a red flag to an employer that a person with financial difficulties might be more likely to steal or embezzle.

Whether or not these are legitimate reasons to do a credit check, the fact remains that employers do use them to screen out “undesirable” candidates. If you have a tax problem, there may be a lien on your credit. This would let the employer know that you owe back taxes to the IRS or State. In fact, any lien against your credit or property is a matter of public record. Technically, an employer could discover your tax problems even without pulling your credit report. If you owe back taxes, you could have a lien on you and not even know it, if you have changed addresses since you last filed a tax return.

Of course it is difficult to find the means to address a tax problem if you are struggling or unemployed. But clearing up your back taxes can lift barriers that may stand in your way of getting a good job. We offer a initial consultation to those with a tax problem so that you can see what your options are. If you’re unsure whether you have a lien, you can check your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com (this is an official government-sponsored website and the only truly free credit report service, not to be confused with the one in the TV ads).