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.