*Loan,banking and credit>>>tax attorney

I have a tax lien and want to clear it up. What's the best way? Call the IRS or go through an attorney?

This matter requires more information. If the Federal Tax Lien was paid, then IRS should have issued a release of lien. Your credit bureau may still show that you had a FTL, but it should also show the release. If the FTL is over 10 years old and unpaid, it might be void due to the statute of limitations. However, many factors can extend the statute.

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-7650 to find out if the account is unpaid. They can send you a transcript of all the assessments and payments on the FTL period. If you owe more than $10K on business tax or $20K on personal tax, I'd hire a CPA, Enrolled Agent, or Tax Attorney if IRS won't work with you.

call the irs.
i would call the irs first
If it is an I.R.S. tax lien, I would call the I.R.S. as they are usually very good at working with people. An attorney can not get you out of a tax lien and will just cost more money. When you call the I.R.S. though, be prepared to be on the phone a while.
Need attorney who specializes in taxes, and who has good experience. Not all attorneys know about taxes.
get an attorney who can negotiate with the IRS to reduce what you owe. you will save money this way -- but you do need a specialist that has preferably worked for the IRS as an attorney. Such an attorney will know the ins and outs of the system better then most.
Going to the IRS? You have to wait, negotiate yourself, and have little knowledge of the ins and outs.
Good Luck
The IRS wants to be paid. Get a tax attorney or cpa experienced in such matters and pay your tax in exchange for release of the lien. You can try to represent yourself, I suppose, but it will be worth the money if you have a big tax bill to get professional help.