A lien is a charge upon real or personal property for the satisfaction of some debt or duty ordinarily arising by operation of law. A lien encumbers property, and as long as it exists, clouds title to the property.
Liens are either general or special in nature.
A general lien is enforceable by the holder for all obligations which exist against the owner of the property. A special lien is enforceable for a specific obligation existing against the owner of the property and is dependent upon possession of the property by the lienor. For example, when an automobile is taken to a repair shop, the proprietor can hold the auto until the repair bill is satisfied. The expense of repair is the basis of the lien and the possession of the auto by the proprietor makes the lien effective. A state tax lien is a general lien.