You paid the IRS and want the lien gone fast. Here is the simple answer. Most people get a federal tax lien release within 10 to 20 days after the last payment posts. By law, the IRS has up to 30 days once the balance is fully paid. You can help it move faster with a few easy steps. The usual timeline The IRS issues a Certificate of Release within 30 days after your balance is paid in full. The clock starts when your final payment posts and your account shows zero. That mean