Can Illinois Department of Revenue repossess your car if they threaten to put a lien on your property?

[ToddL · Accepted solution]

No, a tax lien is a public record that the government has a security interest in your property - that is not the same as the right to seize your property.

States are not in the business of seizing personal or real property (e.g. your home to satisfy unpaid tax obligations).  A tax lien can, however, prevent you from selling property without satisfying the lien - this almost always involves the sale of real property (i.e. your home, land, etc.) since the sale of real property is subject to claims in the public record.  They can also intercept any tax refund you have coming.

Like other types of public records, tax liens have a significant negative impact on your credit score.

(Depending on the amount of tax due and the state's knowledge of your property, they can escalate collection efforts and attempt to seize your property. That is a different legal action from a tax lien).