Which lien is considered involuntary?

An IRS lien is considered an involuntary lien because it is imposed by law without the consent of the property owner. This type of lien arises when the IRS places a claim against a taxpayer's property due to unpaid federal tax obligations. The government does not need the taxpayer's agreement or affirmative action to create this lien; it automatically attaches to the taxpayer’s property when the tax is assessed and remains until the debt is satisfied.

In contrast, a mortgage is typically a voluntary lien created through an agreement between a borrower and a lender. A vendor’s lien arises from a seller’s right to retain possession of property until a purchase price is paid, which is also usually established through an agreement. An equitable lien, while it can arise by operation of law under certain circumstances, often results from a court’s decision and is linked to fairness in a contractual relationship. Thus, the involuntary nature of an IRS lien distinctly sets it apart from the others mentioned.