how do i delete tags permanently in my mac

Hello there, trishposadas.

The following Knowledge Base article offers up how to accomplish that very thing:

OS X Mavericks: Tag files and folders with colors and labels

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH13852

To remove every instance of a tag from all files and folders, choose Finder > Preferences, then click Tags. Put the pointer on a tag, Control-click or tap with two fingers, then choose Delete Tag.

Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities.

Cheers,

Pedro.