Which of the following describes a lien placed to secure payment of labor or materials provided for property improvement?

A mechanic's lien is specifically designed to secure payment for labor or materials provided in the improvement of a property. This type of lien is typically utilized by contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers who have not been paid for their work or materials. When a contractor performs work on a property and does not receive compensation, they can file a mechanic's lien, which attaches to the property and serves as a claim against it. This ensures that the contractor has a legal right to seek payment by potentially forcing the sale of the property if necessary.

In contrast, a judgment lien arises from a court decision and is typically related to a debt or monetary judgment against an individual. A federal tax lien is imposed by the government when a taxpayer fails to pay federal taxes, representing a claim against the taxpayer's property. A mortgage lien, on the other hand, is a security interest created when a borrower receives a loan to purchase property, allowing the lender to claim the property if the loan is not repaid. Each of these liens serves different purposes, but a mechanic's lien is uniquely tied to the construction and improvement of real property.